I LIBRARY OF CONGRESS.! 



f|W 



Uffsvc 



(lopnrig'at |[o. _... ^ 



| UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. J 



-2.W./3 

ANNALS 



PUBLIC EDUCATION 



STATE OF NEW YORK. 



From 1626 to 1746. 






By DANIEL J. PRATT, A. M., 

ASSISTANT SECRETARY OF THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY. 



SUNT HIC ETIAM SUA PRyEMIA LAUDI.' 



ALBANY : 
THE ARGUS COMPANY, PRINTERS. 

1872. 



s 



3i1 



Entered, according to act of Congress, in the year eighteen hundred and seventy-one [January 10], 

By DANIEL J. PRATT, 

In the office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington. 



STATE OF NEW YORK : 

In Senate Chamber, ) 

Albany, March 29, 1871. ) 
Resolved, That three hundred copies of the Annals of Public Education in the 
State of New York, for the period from 1626 to 1746, be printed for the use of the 
Regents of the University, and two hundred copies for the use of the Senate. 

By order, 

HIRAM CALKINS, 

Clerk. 



PREFACE. 



This volume is a collection of the official acts and historical records 
relating to public education within this State during the Dutch and 
a part of the English colonial periods, from 1626 to 1746, with such 
editorial statements as have been deemed appropriate, and, to some 
extent, necessary, to connect and explain the often fragmentary 
original records. If hereafter practicable, this work will be con- 
tinued to about the year 1800. 

Much of the material of these Annals has been preserved only in 
manuscript in the State archives ; other printed fragments are widely 
scattered, and are not readily accessible in the absence of any cata- 
logue or digest of authorities referring to this subject. 

The results of the few attempts hitherto made in any portion of 
this field have been carefully sought and freely used, with due 
acknowledgment. Dunshee's " History of the School of the Reformed 
Dutch Church in New York " has been of greater service than any 
other single printed collection. That school having been the first, 
and for some time the only public one within the colony, its history 
is almost co-extensive with that of public education for a number 
of years. The pre-eminence of this little work in its special field is 
attested by the fact that it is almost the sole authority quoted, for 
the colonial period, in Boese's " History of Education in the City of 
New York." Valentine's Manual of the Corporation of New York, 
for 1863, contains a sketch of " Schools and Schoolmasters in the 
time of the Dutch," which includes some items not mentioned by 
other authors. Occasional allusions to the subject of education occur 
in O'Callaghan's History of New Netherland, Brodhead's History of 
New York, and other works of like general character. A " Special 
report on the present state of education in the United States and 
other countries," by the late Superintendent of Public Instruction of 
this State, published in 1867, devotes two pages to a cursory sketch 
of its educational history during the colonial era. 

The principal official source of information for the earlier por- 
tion of the period included in the volume, is the " New York 



iv Preface. 

Historical Manuscripts," Dutch and English, in the office of the 
Secretary of State, of which there are about 100 folio volumes. 
The Dutch manuscripts were translated some fifty years since, 
under State authority, by Francis Adrian Yan der Kemp, and are 
now being re-translated by the eminent archivist, Dr. E. B. O'Calla- 
ghan, under the title of " Records of New Netherland." Of Van 
der Kemp's translation there are twenty-four volumes, which 
are known among antiquarians as the "Albany Records." We 
regret that most of the passages which we have had occasion to 
quote, not having been reached by the new translator, must exhibit 
the marked imperfections of style which characterize the Albany 
Records. Dr. O'Callaghan has also prepared a full calendar and 
index of the original manuscripts, a small edition of which has been 
published. By the aid of this invaluable work, any special subject of 
colonial history contained therein may be readily investigated. The 
Documentary and the Colonial Histories of the State — the former in 
four and the latter in eleven quarto volumes, large editions of which 
have been published — contain copies of some of these manuscripts, 
including a few referring to educational affairs, especially among the 
Indians. The corporation archives of New York city include a col- 
lection known as the "New Amsterdam Records," an unpublished 
translation of which, in seven volumes, was made some years since by 
Dr. O'Callaghan. These records contain a few items in regard to the 
schools of that city during the period of the Dutch administration. 
The manuscript " Correspondence of the Classis of Amsterdam," pro- 
cured in Holland, some years since, by Mr. Bijodhead, to which occa- 
sional reference is made by historians, throws additional light upon 
this special subject. 

Among other sources of information, for the period included in the 
present volume (1626-1740), may be mentioned the printed journals 
of the Legislative Council and Assembly, from 1691 onward ; the 
colonial laws, most of which are found in the extant compilations, 
though a number of obsolete ones of special historical interest have 
been preserved only in their original manuscript form, in the office of 
the Secretary of State ; O'Callaghan's " Register of New Nether- 
land " and " Laws of New Netherland ;" Yalentine's Corporation 
Manual of N. Y. City for a series of years ; the annual reports of the 
" Society for the Propagation of the Gospel in Foreign Parts ;" mis- 
cellaneous works of research, including local histories, prominent 
among which are Munsell's " Annals of Albany ;" facts communicated 
in writing by several well-informed investigators, who have kindly 



Preface. v 

aided us in our researches ; and lastly, old newspapers, especially the 
files of the New York Gazette, etc., as preserved in the Library of the 
New York Historical Society. Specific references to these sources of 
information will be made in connection with each quotation, it being 
an important part of the present design to verify every statement, and 
thus facilitate further investigation, in the hope that the materials for a 
tolerably full history of education in the State may finally be secured. 
If this work, with its proposed continuation, shall contribute to a bet- 
ter understanding of the origin and growth of the present system of 
education in the Empire State, the chief design of the undertaking 
will be accomplished. 

It is proper to add, that the greater part of the material embraced 
in this volume was first published in the " Proceedings of the Univer- 
sity Convocation of the State of New York", for the years 1868 
and 1869. 

The plates from which these " Annals " were first printed, were 
destroyed by the great fire which occurred at Weed, Parsons & Co.'s 
printing establishment, in April, 1871. It thus became necessary, 
in carrying out the foregoing order of the Senate, to reset the entire 
work. A few errors and considerable new material having, mean- 
while, come under the author's notice, he has availed himself of this 
opportunity, at the cost of no little time and labor, to supply a 
revised and enlarged edition of the original work ordered by the 
Senate. 

The author cannot forbear here to express, in a general way, his 
indebtedness to the several gentlemen mentioned by name in the 
body of the volume, who have aided in the collection of these 
historical facts ; as well as to all those who have, in any way, encour- 
aged him in this undertaking. Further information relative to either 
the general or local history of education in this State, prior to 1800, 
for any future editions of this work, and for its intended continuation 
from 1746, will be thankfully received and duly acknowledged. 



CONTENTS. 



Page. 
Preface ; * 

CHAPTER I. 
First Period.— Public Education in the Dutch (or Holland) Colony of 
New Netherland, 1626-1664 1 

CHAPTER II. 
Second Period.— Public Education in the Colony op New York, 1664-1784. 
part I. 
From the Capitulation by the Dutch to the first legislative act for founding a 

College, 1664-1746 57 

Catalogue of Schoolmasters mentioned in this volume 149 

part n. 
The founding of King's (afterwards Columbia) College [to be published hereafter]. 

part in, etc. 
[To be published hereafter] 

CHAPTER III. 
The Founding op the University op the State op New York, under the 
Acts of 1784 and 1787, and the further History of Education in the 
State to the Year 1800 [to be published hereafter]. 



ANNALS 

or 

PUBLIC EDUCATION 

IN THE 

STATE OF NEW YORK:, 

INCLUDING THE C O L. O N I V!l L, ERA. 



CHAPTER I. 
FIRST PERIOD. 

PUBLIC EDUCATION IN THE DUTCH (OR HOLLAND) COLONY OF 
NEW NETHERLAND, 1626-1664. 

The following extracts, from comparatively recent writers, illus- 
trate the customs and policy of the Hollanders in regard to education 
prior to and in connection with the settlement of New Netherland : 

The Dutch were eminently a charitable, well educated 

and moral people. . . . Neither the perils of war, nor the busy 
pursuit of gain, nor the excitement of political strife, ever caused them 
to neglect the duty of educating their offspring to enjoy that freedom 
for which their fathers had fought. Schools were everywhere pro- 
vided, at the public expense, with good schoolmasters, to instruct 
the children of all classes in the usual branches of education ; and the 
consistories of the churches took zealous care to have their youth 
thoroughly taught the catechism and the articles of religion. 1 

It was the. custom, after the Reformation in Holland, to send out 
with emigrants going to any of its colonies, however few in number, 
a well-qualified schoolmaster, who was a member of the church, and 
accredited, by his competence and piety, to take charge of the 
instruction of children and youth. During the absence or want of a 
minister, he was bound to conduct public worship, by reading a ser- 
mon, offering prayers, etc., on the Sabbath, and on other occasions. 
With the earliest agricultural settlement of Manhattan island and its 
vicinity, such a schoolmaster and voorleser [clerk or reader] was sent 

1 Brodhead's History of New York, pp. 461-463. 



2 Annals of Public Education 

out, and from the earliest period the school has continued to this 
day. 1 

Schools have always been in existence in New York since its set-* 
tlement by the Dutch. The founders of the colony brought with 
lliem from Holland the institutions of their native land; its industry, 
its catholicity of spirit, its care for the religious and educational wel- 
fare of the people. 

" No other religion was to be publicly tolerated or allowed in New 
Netherland, save that then taught and exercised by authority in the 
Reformed Church of the United Provinces," for the inculcation of 
which the [West India] Company promised to support and maintain 
good and fit preachers, schoolmasters and comforters of the sick. 3 

No principle was more deeply engraved on the heart of the Hol- 
lander than that " the church and the school must be maintained. " 4 

The establishment of schools and the appointment of schoolmasters, 
rested conjointly with the [West India] Company and the Classis of 
Amsterdam ; and it is from this circumstance that much relating to 
the early history of the school under consideration has been pre- 
served. 5 

When a school is spoken of under the Dutch administration, spe- 
cial reference is invariably made to the official public school, sup- 
ported by the authorities, and in connection with the established 
[Reformed Dutch] Church, the schoolmasters whereof were appointed 
by the West India Company. From the first organization of the 
school, till the year 1808, when a special board of trustees was 
appointed, the supervision and management of the school was in the 
hands of the deacons. . . . No private school teachers . . . 
could follow their calling without a license from the civil and ecclesi- 
astical authorities. 6 

1626. When a colonial government was organized, 1626, by 
Kieft, 7 the first Director General, we find the place of a clergyman 
supplied, to a certain extent, by Sebastian Jans Crol and Jan lluyck, 
two " Krank-besoeckers," " Ziekentroosters," or " Comforters of the 
Sick.'" . . . Exigency of circumstances, in a new settlement, 
sometimes demanded that the exercise of the functions pertaining to 
the offices of tin.' minister, the schoolmaster, and the Krank-besoecker, 
devolved upon the same individual; so that we might with propriety 
l>e justified in claiming the introduction of public education as early 
as 1626; hut as the term schoolmaster is not expressly applied to 
either of the Ivrank-besoeckers, we will waive the position. 8 

The earliest official act relating to public education in New Neth- 
erland is contained in the so-called 

1 Rev. Thomas De Witt, I). P., in his introduction to Dunshce's History of the 
School ofthe Reformed Protestant Dutch Church in the City of New York, pp. 7, 8. 
- Supt. Rice's Special Report on the condition of Education, p. 77. 
1 0'Callaghan's History of New Netherland, i, 220. 
♦Strong's History of Flatbush, p. 108. 

6 Dunshee, p. 25. 7 This should have been Minuil. 

* Duushee, p. 33. s Dunshee, pp. 27, 28. 



in the State of New York. 3 

Freedoms and Exemptions, 

Granted by the West India Company to all Patroons, Masters or 
Private Persons who will plant colonies in New Netherland, 
7 June, 1629. 

XXVII. The Patroons and colonists shall in particular, and in the 
speediest manner, endeavor to find out ways and means whereby 
they may supply a minister and schoolmaster, that thus the service 
of God and zeal for religion may not grow cool and be neglected 
among them, and they shall, for the first, procure a comforter of the 
sick there. 1 

This decree was reenacted in 1630, in the 

New Project of Freedoms and Exemptions. 

28. The Patroons shall also particularly exert themselves to find 
speedy means to maintain a clergyman and schoolmaster, in order 
that Divine service and zeal for religion may be planted in that coun- 
try ; and send, at first, a comforter for the sick thither. 2 

The city of Amsterdam, some years later, undertook to provide 
schoolhouses for new settlements, and provisionally to support school- 
masters, as appears from the following : 

Draft of Conditions offered by the city of Amsterdam to Emigrants 
to New Netherland. No date : probably 1656. 

Remarks of Directors of West India 
4 Company. 

To the end that the said colonists may Fiat. [Let it be done.] 
gain their livelihood there safely, hon- 
estly and prosperously, the city aforesaid 
doth beforehand guarantee as follows : 
* * * ■* 

7 

Said city shall cause to be erected Fiat. 
about the market, or in a more conve- 
nient place, a public building suitable for 
Divine service: item, also a house for a 
school, which can likewise be occupied 
by the person who will hereafter be sex- 
ton, psalm-setter and schoolmaster ; the 
city shall, besides, have a house built for 
the Minister. 

8 

The city aforesaid shall provisionally Fiat. 
provide and pay the salary of a Minister 
and schoolmaster, unless their High 

1 N. Y. Col. Doc., ii, 557. O'Callaghan's Laws of New Netherland, p. 9. 
a N. Y. Col. Doc, i, 99. 



4 Annals of Public Education 

Mightinesses or the Company think oth- 
erwise. 1 

Among the officials of that early period, we are especially inte- 
rested in the schoolmasters, memorials of some of whom have been 
preserved. 

From all that has been discovered, the first schoolmaster in New 
Amsterdam was Adam Roelansten. 2 ... He was a resident of 
city as early at least as the year 1G33, as appears from an affida- 
vit made by him in 163S, setting forth certain misconduct which he 
observed in one Greetje Reiners, in the year 1633, at a place called 
the Old Magazine. 3 * * 

Mr. Valentine says, he " probably had pursued this calling during 
all the time of his residence," i. e., from 1633 to 163S, at which latter 
date he removed to Renselaerswyck. Mr. Dunshee speaks with more 
confidence upon this point, but fails to cite any additional authority ; 
nor are we able to find Roelantsen's name in the list of officials to 
which he refers in the following paragraph : 

1633. In the enumeration of the [West India] Company's officials 

. Everardus Bogardus is mentioned as officiating as minister 

at Fort Amsterdam, and Adam Roelansden as the first schoolmaster. 

Here, then, in accordance with the custom of the age, the usage of 
the home government, and by charter stipulations, we have the intro- 
duction of the first schoolmaster in Manhattan ; . . . and although 
it is probable that at times the school was kept somewhat irregularly, 
owing to the unsettled state of affairs arising from Indian depreda- 
tions, and the hostile attitude and aggressions of the colonists in New 
England, yet the records furnish direct and indisputable evidence of 
the efforts made for its continuance and support. 4 

Further particulars in regard to the life and character of Roelant- 
sen, some of which, we regret to say, are quite discreditable to " the 
first schoolmaster," are reserved for separate biographical notices of 
schoolmasters, which it is proposed to introduce hereafter. It may, 
however, be due to Roelantsen to add, that even Dornine Bogardus 
was accused of immorality and excess, and that the standard of public 
virtue was not remarkably high at that time. Dr. O'Callaghan says : 

The state of morals in Xew Amsterdam was, at this period [1638], 
by no means healthy, owing as well to the description of persons 
which trade brought thither, as to the absence, in a great part, of an 
agricultural popul ation . 5 

1 N. Y. Col. Doc, i, 619, 620. See, also, pp. 631, 636, 637, and O'Callaghan's Laws 
of New Netherlaud, pp. 239, 240. 
a More properly spelled Roelantsen. 

'Valentine's Corporation Manual, 1863, p. 559. Albany Records (MS.), i, 52. 
4 Dunshee, pp. 28, 29. Alb. Rec, i, 52 
s O'CaJl. N. N.,i, 185. 



tn tiie State of New York. 5 

Though " the mass of the people resident at the Manhattans were 
unable or ill qualified either to read or write," 1 the value of education 
seems to have been highly appreciated ; for we find that as early as 
1642, it was customary, in marriage contracts, whenever the bride 
was a widow having children, for the parties to "promise to bring up 
the children decently, according to their ability, to provide them with 
necessary clothing and food, to keep them at school, to let them learn 
reading, writing and a good trade ;" to which was sometimes added, 
"as honest parents ought and are bound to do, and as they can 
answer before God and men." 2 

The first direct mention of a public tax for the support of schools 
occurs in the 

Proposed Articles for the Colonization and Trade of New Nether- 
land. 1638. 

8.- Each householder and inhabitant shall bear such tax and public 
charge as shall hereafter be considered proper for the maintenance of 
clergymen, comforters for the sick, schoolmasters, and such like neces- 
sary officers ; and the Director and Council there shall be written to 
touching the form hereof, in order, on receiving further information 
hereupon, it be rendered the least onerous and vexatious. 3 

That a school was in contemplation in Beaverwyck (Albany), as early 
as 1613, appears by the following extract from a letter written by Arendt 
Yan Curler to the Patroon of Renselaerswyck, dated June 16, 1643: 

As for the church, it is not yet contracted for, nor even begun. 

. . . That which I intend to build this summer in the pine 
grove will be 34 feet long by 19 feet wide. It will be large enough 
for the first three or four years to preach in, and can afterwards 
always serve for the residence of the sexton, or for a school. 4 

The salaries proposed to be paid in those early times are exhibited 
in the following 

Report of the Board of Accounts in New Netherland. 1644. 5 

Estimate of the Expenses which the [West India] Company would 

have to bear in New Netherland for the following persons, to be 

rationed at their own expense : 

1 director, whose monthly salary should be fl. 250, 

to board himself, is yearly fl. 3 5 000 

***** 

1 clergyman, a fl. 120 per month 1 >440 

1 schoolmaster, precentor and sexton, a fl. 30. . . . 360 

' O'Call. N. N., i, 187. 

S N. Y. Y. Hist. MSS., ii, 35, 51; iii, 70; iv, 20. O'Callaghan's M8. Records of 
N. N., ii, 37, 48, 102, 127. 3 N. Y. Col. Doc, i, 112. 

4 O'Call. N. N., i, 45t). [From the Renselaerswyck MSS.] 
6 N. Y. Col. Doc, i, 155. 



Q Annals of Public Education 

A similar estimate, in 1661, is more liberal to the schoolmaster, as 
compared with the director, though both are reduced to the smallest 
possible amount : 

One director, on a salary of 100 guilders per month, and board- 
wages a year, 300 guilders. 

****** 

One comforter of the sick, to act also as schoolmaster, IS guilders 
per month, and board-wages a year, 80 guilders. 1 [A florin and 
guilder were each equivalent to about 40 cents, U. S. currency.] 

The' first effort to build a schoolhouse occurred, according to Mr. 
Dunshee, as early as 1642, although the documentary evidence quoted 
by him does not clearly establish the date. He says : 

In 1642, the church on Broad street having become somewhat 
dilapidated and reproachful in appearance, an effort was made to pro- 
cure a new one, and at the same time was commenced the laudable 
undertaking of building a schoolhouse with suitable accommodations 
(p. 30). 

Mr. Dunshee proceeds to quote from the Remonstrance of New 
Netherland, made in 1649, which states that " the bowl has been 
going around a long time for the purpose of collecting money for 
erecting a schoolhouse ;" but this does not intimate that the " long 
time " began in 1642. He also refers to Dr. O'Callaghan's account 
of the building of the church in 1642 (Hist, of N. N., i, 260), which, 
however, contains no allusion to a schoolhouse at that time. The 
following statement of the condition of education in 1646, contains 
the only allusion made by the learned Doctor, to a schoolhouse of 
earlier date, his sole authority being, as he informs us, the "Remon- 
strance of New Netherland," to which reference will hereafter be 
made : 

Though a college had been founded in Massachusetts some nine 
years before, the authorities of New Netherland made little or no 
effort, up to this time, to establish a common or primary school in 
any part of this country. Some subscriptions had been entered into 
by' the commonalty, for the purpose of erecting a schoolhouse in New 
Amsterdam, but these funds were also misappropriated, and this lauda- 
ble undertaking failed in consequence. 2 

This unfortunate condition of education, in common with other 
public interests, seems to have resulted partly from the feebleness and 
poverty of the colony, and partly from the dissentions which pre- 
vailed during Director Kieft's administration. 

" Where the shepherd errs the sheep go astray." Drunkenness 

1 N. Y. Col. Doc, ii, 169. 2 O'Call. N. N., i, 396. 



in the State of New York. 7 

and broils were of frequent occurrence. The people were " without 
discipline, and approaching to a savage state." " A fourth part of 
the city of New Amsterdam consisted of grogshops and houses, where 
nothing is to be got but tobacco and beer." Religion and education 
felt the baneful effects of these evil influences. . . . Such was 
the state of disorganization into which the public affairs had fallen. 1 

In 1647, Director Kieft was superseded by Petrus Stuyvesant, 
whose commission was dated at the Hague, July 28, 1646, and who 
entered upon his duties May 27, 1647. The new Director General 
undertook to reform the prevalent abuses, and for this purpose drew 
up certain " propositions to the members in council assembled," dated 
November 11, 1647. The fifth of these propositions, and the action 
of the Council thereon, are recorded in parallel columns, according to 
the usage of the times, as follows : 

5thly. Whereas, by want of pro- By the Council is decreed the 

per place, no school has been kept same as on the 4th article above. 

in three months, by which the [ Viz. : Decreed by the Council, 

youth is spoiled, so is proposed, as this point particularly interests 

where a convenient place may be the commonalty, to propose it to 

adapted to keep the youth from the nine Tribunes, so that the 

the street and under a strict sub- best means may be employed, at 

ordination. 2 the smallest expenses of the com- 
monalty.] 

The statement that for "want of a proper place, no school had 
been held in three months," must have reference to the public school 
in connection with the church ; for one Jan Stevensen was actually 
teaching at the time, and had been so doing for five years. 8 

It thus appears that private schools had already been established in 
New Amsterdam, although as before stated, no person could teach 
without a license from the civil and ecclesiastical authorities. 

The " Nine Tribunes," commonly called the " Nine Men," were 
chosen by the Director General and Council from double that num- 
ber of persons selected by 'the people, to give their advice when 
called on, and to assist in promoting the welfare of the commonalty, 
as well as that of the country. 4 In accordance with the above recom- 
mendation of the Council, the Director communicated his views to 
the Nine Men in the following terms : 

To the nine elected Tribunes, representing the Commonalty of 
Manhattans, Breukelen, Amerfoort and Pavonia : 

Dear Friends : A sudden and unhappy accident, and its following 
pains prevent my assisting at your meeting and making proposals in 

1 O'Call. N. N., i. 395, 396. 3 Dunshee, p. 33. 

a Alb. Rec, vii, 10(5. * O'Call. N. N., ii, 36, 37. 



8 Annals of Public Education 

person as I intended, and concluding what means are the most advi- 
sable to adopt for the common weal and can be employed with the 
least grievance to our dear subjects. 

****** 
3dly. Not less necessary than the former article is the building of 
a new school and dwelling house for the schoolmaster, for the benefit 
of the commonalty and the education of the youth. We are inclined 
to bear personally and in behalf of the Company a reasonable pro- 
portion, and continue to do so in the future, and promote this glorious 
work. Meanwhile it is required to make some previous arrange- 
ment to provide a convenient place during next winter, either in one 
of the outhouses belonging to the Attorney-General's Department, to 
which I should give the preference, or any other convenient place, as 
may be approved by the church wardens. 

****** 
Done in haste, in our bedroom, on the 14 Nov., 1647. 
(Signed) Yours and the commonalty's well willing, 

P. STUYVESANT. 1 

We are unable to find any evidence that the Nine Men responded 
favorably to this proposition, and it appears, from subsequent events 
that nothing was done by them. 

In 1649, in consequence of disagreement between the Director and 
the Nine Men, the latter, under the leadership of Adriaen Van der 
Donck, prepared a memorial to the States-General of Holland, to 
which was annexed the so-called " Vertoogh " or " Eemonstrance of 
New Netherland," setting forth, among other things, " the reasons 
and cause of the great decay of New Netherland," and " in what 
manner New Netherland should be relieved." Among the "reasons" 
enumerated, the following statement occurs : 

The plate has been a long time passed around for a common school 
which lias been built with words, for, as yet, the first stone is not 
laid; some materials have only been provided. However, the money 
given for the purpose hath all disappeared and is mostly spent, so 
that it falls somewhat short ; and nothing permanent has as yet been 
effected for this purpose. 2 

Under the head, " In what manner New Netherland should be 

relieved," we find the following: 

* * * ' * * * 

. . . It is doubtful but Divine worship must be entirely inter- 
mitted in consequence of the clergyman's departure, and the Com- 
pany's inability. There Ought to be also a public school provided 
with at least two good teachers, so that the youth, in so wild a country, 
where there are so many dissolute people, may, first of all, be well 

1 Alb. Pvcc, vii, 107, 108. 2 N. Y. Col. Doc. i, 300. 



in the State of New Fork. 9 

instructed and indoctrinated not only in reading and writing, but also 
in the knowledge and fear of the Lord. Now, the school is kept very 
irregularly, by this one or that, according to his fancy, as long as he 
thinks proper. There ought to be, likewise, asylums for aged men, 
for orphans, and similar institutions. 1 

Cornelis van Tienhoven, Secretary to the Director and Council, 
replies to this part of the Remonstrance : 

Although the new schoolhouse, toward which the commonalty con- 
tributed something, has not yet been built, it is not the Director, but 
the church wardens, who have charge of the funds. The Director is 
busy providing materials. Meanwhile a place has been selected for a 
school, of which Jan Cornelissen has charge. The other teachers 
keep school in hired houses, so that the youth are not in want of 
schools to the extent of the circumstances of the country. 'Tis true 
there is no Latin school nor academy ; if the commonalty require 
such, they can apply for it and furnish the necessary funds. 

* * Their High Mightinesses granted those duties to the 
Company to facilitate garrisons, and the payment of the expenses 
attendant thereupon, and not for building hospitals and orphan asy- 
lums, churches and schoolhouses for the people. * 

If they [the people of New "Netherland] are such patriots as they 
appear to be, let them be leaders in generous contributions for such 
laudable objects, and not complain when the Directors requested a 
collection toward the erection of a church and a school. 2 

The " other teachers " referred to by the Secretary, seem to have 
been Jan Stevensen and Aryaen Jansen, accounts of whom as school- 
masters are found from 1643 to 1649, but nowhere as connected with 
the church school, of which this Jan Cornelissen was the second 
teacher. 3 

About this time Cornelissen, perhaps in consequence of the dissen- 
sions which had arisen, and the neglect to provide a suitable place 
for a school, signified his intention to resign; whereupon, Director 
Stuyvesant wrote to the Classis of Amsterdam " for a pious, well- 
qualified and diligent schoolmaster," adding, that " nothing is of 
greater importance than the right, early instruction of youth." 4 

This application seems to have been referred by the Classis to the 
Directors of the West India Company, from whose letters to Direc- 
tor Stuyvesant we make the following extracts : 

Jan. 27, 1649. We will make use of the first opportunity to sup- 
ply you with a well-instructed schoolmaster ; and shall inform our- 

1 N. Y. Col. Doc, i, 317. 
N. Y. Col. Doc, i, 423, 424, 425, 431. 

"Dunshee, p. 35, who:ils<> quotes, N. A.mst. Hit., v, 31, 150, 100. 
4 DunsUee, p. 35. Brodlicad,i,508. Cor. CI. Anisl. 



10 Annals of Public Education 

selves about the person 1 living at Hserlem, whom your Honor recom- 
mended. 2 

Feb. 16, 1650. "We appoint, at your request, a schoolmaster, who 
shall also act as comforter of the sick. He is considered an honest 
and pious man, and shall embark at the first opportunity. 3 

Apkil 15, 1650. The schoolmaster for whom you solicited comes 
in the same vessel with this letter. The Lord grant that he may for 
a long time exemplify the favorable testimony which he carried with 
him from here, to the edification of the youth. 4 

Mr. Brodhead (p. 516) says the Classis of Amsterdam sent out 
Verstius, and refers to a letter of January 10, 1650, which seems to 
belong to the Correspondence of the Classis. This tends to confirm 
the opinion that Verstius was the teacher referred to by Stuyvesant 
and the West India Company. 

In the early part of 1650, Secretary van Tienhoven drew up a 
paper entitled " Information relative to taking up land in New Neth- 
erland, in the form of colonies or private bouweries" [farms], which 
seems to have been intended for the use of the Directors of the West 
India Company, to facilitate emigration to New Netherland. After 
describing " those lands which are actually the most convenient and 
the best, and ought to be occupied the earliest, where and how 
located," he states " what description of people are best adapted for 
agriculture in New Netherland, and to perform the most service and 
return the most profit in the beginning ; and it is interesting to find 
evidence of continued regard for education, and a recognition of its 
practical utility in new settlements, in the fact that he includes as one 
of the eleven classes of persons whose services are needed : 

A clergyman, comforter of the sick, or precentor, who could also 
act as schoolmaster. 5 

We have already referred to the condition of morals as quite unfa- 
vorable. The following letter from the Directors of the West India 
Company to Stuyvesant, dated April 1, 1652, is interesting in this 
connection : 

In ship Komein is embarked as super-cargo a person named Fred- 
rick Alius, who has been a schoolmaster at Hoorn. He writes a 
good hand, but we know little else of him. He is recommended to 
us by a man of quality, and solicited that it might be permitted to 
him to remain there if he should be pleased with the country, which 
of course this college [meaning the Directors] could not reject, 

1 This person soonis to have been William Verstius. [Sometimes spelled Vestius 
ami Vestens.'] 

J Alb. Rec, iv, 17. 4 Alb. Rec., iv, 30. 

3 All). Rec, iv,23. 5 N. Y. Col. Doc, i, 361. 



in the State of New York. 11 

although it is against our usual practice ; but it is sometimes a diffi- 
cult task to give a denial. If his conduct is as good as his pen, and a 
schoolmaster wanted, his person might come into consideration, 
although it might be in our opinion desirable to put him first to the 
test ; as we have observed that your clime does not reform much the 
manners of individuals, of which there is yet much less hope if the 
chiefs of the administration set a bad example to others. In this 
respect we received many complaints by those who return from New 
Netherland, in respect of the Attorney-General, as of drunkenness and 
other vices. If he might continue such a disorderly life, then we 
shall 15e compelled to employ such means of restraint as we deem 
expedient. 1 

The committee of the States-General, to whom the " Remon- 
strance " of 1649 had been referred, reported a " Provisional order 
for the government, preservation and peopling of New Netherland," 
which contained the following article : 

YI. New Netherland being now provided with only one clergy- 
man, orders shall be given, forthwith, for the calling and support of 
at least three more ; one to attend to divine service at Rensselaer's 
colonie ; the second in and around the city of New Amsterdam ; and 
the third in the distant settlements ; and the commonalty shall be 
obliged to cause the youth to be instructed by good schoolmasters. 2 

Owing to a strenuous resistance on the part of the Directors of the 
West India Company to the "Provisional Order" as a whole, it 
was not ratified by the States-General. The Directors themselves, 
however, seem to have finally regarded the wishes of the remonstrants 
in regard to the appointment of " at least two good schoolmasters," 
since they wrote to the Director-General, on the 4th of April, 1652, 
as follows : 

We give our consent, above all this, that one public school may be 
established, for which one schoolmaster would be sufficient, and he 
might be engaged at/250 annually. We recommend you Jan de la 
Montague, whom we have provisionally favored with the appoint- 
ment. Your Hon. may appropriate the City Tavern for this purpose, 
if this is practicable. 3 ***** 

[The City Tavern, subsequently named the Stadt Huys or City 

Hall, stood on the corner of Pearl street and Coenties slip 

The present site is known as 71 and 73 Pearl street. 4 For a view and 
description of this ancient edifice, see Yalentine's Manual, 1852, pp. 
378, 403.] 

The actual service of Montagne is established by the following 
minute : 

1 N. Y. Col. Doc, i, C89. O'Call. N. N. , ii, 134. 3 Alb. Rec, iv, 68. 

3 Alb. Rec, iv, 74. " Dunshee, p. 38. 



12 Annals of Public Education 

On the petition of John Morice de la Montague, the Director 
General and Council command the Comptroller to pay the supplicant 
three or four months of his wages. 1 

The fact that this second school was commenced and carried on for 
a brief period, is clearly established ; but the absence of any subse- 
quent reference to it, leads to the strong inference that its existence 
was of short duration. The principal school, however, was uninter- 
ruptedly conducted by Vestens [Verstius], from 1650 to 1655. 2 

Having already seen that a school was in contemplation at Bever- 
wyck in 1643, it is interesting to find that Andries Jansz. was 
employed as teacher in 1650. 3 We infer from the statement in the 
next paragraph, that his service was of short duration. 

The offices of clergyman and schoolmaster were nominally united 
in the person of Kev. Gideon Schaets, who was employed at Ilens- 
elaerswyck Colonie in 1652, in addition to his regular services as 
clergyman of the colony, " to pay attention to the office of school- 
master for old and young." 1 Whether he actually officiated in this 
capacity does not appear from any subsequent records which we have 
seen. 

In 1654, Verstius had petitioned the Classis of Amsterdam for an 
increase of salary, 5 .which seems not to have been granted. 

The following Council minute occurs under date of January 26, 
1655 : 

William Verstius, schoolmaster and chorister in this city, solicited 
the Council by a petition, as he had completed his service ; and 
whereas there were now several persons fully competent to acquit 
themselves in this charge, that lie might be favored with his dismis- 
sion, and permitted to return to Holland in the first ship. 

On which petition was given the apostil, that it would be commu- 
nicated to the Consistory and Ministers. 6 

The final action on the petition of Verstius for dismission was as 
follows : 

Whereas William Vestins, chorister and schoolmaster of this city, 
hath several times earnestly solicited leave to depart for the Father- 
land, so is his request granted him ; and in consequence thereof, have 
the Noble Lords of the Supreme Council, with the consent of the 
respected Consistory of this city, appointed Harmanus Van Hoboocken 
as chorister and schoolmaster of this city, at gS5 per month, and </100 
annual expenditures ; who promises to conduct himself industriously 

1 Alb. Rec, vi, 111. 4 O'Call. N. N., ii, 507. Brodhead, p. 538. 

2 Dunshee, p. 40. Dunshee, p. 37. 

3 O'Call. N. N., ii, 161, 102. f 'Alb. Rec., x, 0. 



in the State of New York. 13 

and faithfully, pursuant to the instructions already given, or hereafter 
to ho given. 

Done in Am., N. N., 23 March, 1055. 

(Signed) NICASIUS De SILLE, 
La MONTAGNE. 1 

Mr. Dunshee enumerates Vcrstius as the third, Montagne as the 
fourth, and Hoboocken as the fifth of the official schoolmasters in 
New Amsterdam (p. 51). 

The following entry occurs on the Council minutes for Aug. 11, 
1655: 

A petition being read of Harman van Hoboocken, now the choris- 
ter in this city, soliciting, as he is burthened with a wife and four 
small children, without possessing any means for their sustenance, 
that his salary may be paid to him monthly, or, at least, quarterly, 
so is, after deliberation, given as apostil as long as the supplicant 
remains in service, he may depend on the punctual payment of his 
salary. 2 

The records of the burgomasters and schepens of New Amster- 
dam, for Feb. 21, 1656, contain this minute : 

The schout having exhibited, in conformity to instructions from 
the IIon ble Director General and Council, the request of the school- 
master, Harman van Hoboocken, in court, they endorse — 

Said schoolmaster shall communicate to the burgomasters and 
schepens what he is allowed by each child per quarter, pursuant to 
instructions from the Lord General and Council, which being done, 
further order shall be taken on petitioner's request. 3 

In 1656, the first survey of the city was made, and it was ascer- 
tained to possess 120 houses and 1,000 souls ; and " the number of 
children at the public school having greatly increased, further accom 
modation was allowed to Hoboocken, the schoolmaster." 4 His school- 
house having been burned partly down, 5 he addressed the following 
application to the city magistrates : 

To the IIon b!e Lords, Burgomasters and Schepens of the city of New 

Amsterdam : 

Harmen van Hoboken, schoolmaster of this city, respectfully 
requests that your Honours, would be pleased to grant him the Hail 
and the side room for the use of the school and as a dwelling, inas- 
much as he, the petitioner, does not know how to manage for the 
proper accommodation of the children during winter, for they much 
require a place adapted for fire, and to be warmed, for which their 
present tenement is wholly unfit. He, the petitioner, burthened with 

1 Dunshee, p. 37. Alb. Rec, x, 29, 30; xxv,133. 

5 Alb. Rec, x, 81. 4 O'Call. N. N., ii, 540. Broil., p. 623. 

*N. Amst. Rec, ii, 357. 5 Paulding's N. Amst, p. 40. 



14 Annals of Public Education 

a wife and children, is greatly in need of a dwelling for them ; and 
. . . he anticipates great inconvenience, not knowing how to man- 
age for the accommodation of the school children ; and if your 
Hon r cannot find any, he, the petitioner, requests your Hon rs to be 
pleased to allow him the rent of the back room which Geurt Coerten 
at present occupies, which he, pet r , would freely accept for the present, 
as lie is unable to pay so heavy a rent as a whole house amounts to. 

He therefore applies to your Honors, expecting hereupon your 
Honors favorable endorsement. Was subscribed, 
Your Hon rs servant, 

HARM. VAN IIOBOKEN. 

Dated 4 Nov. 1656. 

[Endorsement.] 
Whereas the City Hall of this city, the hall and little room whereof 
the petitioner now requests for a school and dwelling, is not at pre- 
sent in repair, and is, moreover, required for other purposes, the same 
cannot be allowed him, but in order that the youth, who are here 
quite numerous, may have the means of instruction as far as possible, 
and as the circumstances of the city permit, the petitioner, for want 
of other lodgings, is allowed to rent the said house for a school, for 
which one hundred guilders shall be paid him yearly on a c of the 
city, for the present and until further order. Done in Court, this 4 
Nov., 1656, at Amsterdam in New Netherlands 

From the following statement it would seem that the rebuilding of 
the schoolhouse was indefinitely postponed : 

The burning of the schoolhouse while the youth were " doing so 
uncommon well," led to the revival of the question of procuring a 
suitable edifice ; and the magistrates of the city, writing the 7th of 
the following November to the West India Company, " assert that 
the only revenue to the city was that arising from the excise of wines 
and beers, and that this was needed for immediate expenses in repair- 
ing the city wall, the schoeyinge, the city hall, the watch apartments, 
the building of the schoolhouse, and for several other improvements, 
and ask thereon the advice of the company." 2 It is not known what 
answer was returned to this application, but one thing is certain, the 
condition of the city finances was such, " the old debt made in the 
time of the English troubles being yet unliquidated," that the school- 
house was not built. 3 

The excise tax, above referred to, had been imposed by the Direc- 
tor-General and Council as early, as 1644, 4 and again in 1647, to 
provide means to carry on the public service. In 1653, the proceeds 
of the excise being inadequate, the city of New Amsterdam, which 
during the preceding year had been invested with municipal privi- 

1 N. Amst. Rec, ii, 640, 641. 

" In the same letter " the building of schools" is mentioned, in describing " what is 
most urgent." 

J Dunshee, p. 42. N. Amst. Rec, ii, 637, 638. "Brod. N. Y., p. 394. 



/iv the State of New York. 15 

leges, was called upon to redeem certain pledges made by the Burgo- 
masters, which they agreed to fulfill, provided the entire proceeds of 
the excise were relinquished to them. 1 After a long dispute a com- 
promise was made, the Burgomasters proposing to support, at the 
expense of the city, the following, among others : 

Of the Ecclesiastique. 

One of the Ministers ; 

One precentor, being at the same time schoolmaster ; 

One Dog-whipper. (N. B. Now called sexton.) 2 

This seems to have been the first municipal provision for the sup- 
port of schools in the colony. It proved, however, to be merely 
nominal ; and as neither the clergymen, the schoolmaster, nor the 
sexton were paid, the Director and Council reclaimed the excise in 
1654, and farmed it out, paying from the proceeds a part, at least, of 
the salaries then due. 3 

About the same time (1654), municipal privileges were granted to 
the Dutch towns on Long Island, and a superior District Court was 
organized, with general authority to regulate roads, build churches, 
establish schools, and make local laws, subject to the approval of the 
Provincial government. This arrangement continued until 1661, 4 
though we as yet find no evidence that any of the local schools here- 
after mentioned were thus established. 

The condition of education, in 1657, is set forth in the following 
communication in regard to the state of the churches in New Neth- 
erland, addressed to the Classis in Amsterdam : 

****** 

So it stands in this province with our churches. It is to be added 
that (to our knowledge) not one of all these places, whether Dutch 
or English villages, hath a schoolmaster, except the Manhattans, 
Beverwyck, and now one also at Fort Casmir on the South river ; and 
though some parents would give their children some instruction, yet 
they experience much difficulty, and nothing else is to be expected 
thau a ruined youth and a bewilderment of men's minds. Scarcely 
any means can be seen to remedy this evil : 1, because some villages 
are only in their first establishment, and whilst people come naked 
and poor from Holland, they have not means to provide a minister 
and schoolmaster : 2, because there are few qualified persons in this 
country who can or will teach. * * * * 

At Amsterdam, in N. Netherland. JOH. MEGAPOLENSIS. 
August 5, 1657. SAMUEL DRISIUS. 5 

1 O'Call. N. N., ii, 23, 255. 4 Brod. N. Y., 580. O'Call. N. N., ii, 271. 

a Valentine's Man., 1848, p. 378. 6 N. Y. Doc. Hist., iii, 71 (4° ed.), 107 (8 Q ed). 

3 O'Call. N. N, ii, 298. Brod. N. Y., p. 590. 



16 Annals of Public Education 

While the official schoolmasters were remunerated from the Gov- 
ernment funds, we find Adriaen van Ilpendam, and others, institu- 
ting law suits against individuals, for the payment of tuition, in 
beavers and shillings. 1 

The currency of New Amsterdam was in general composed of 
Indian money, called wampum or seawant, and of the skins of ani- 
mals, principally of the beaver. 

. The seawant gradually depreciated in value, so that in 
1659, sixteen guilders in seawant, at the stated rate of value, were 
required in exchange for one beaver, of eight guilders value ; about 
three dollars each. 2 

The following is a copy of the court record in regard to two suits 
brought by Ilpendam : 

Ordinary Sessions in Fort Orange, 
1 Sept., 1660. 
Adriaen van Ilpendam, plaintiff, vs. Gillis Pietersen, def. 
The plaintiff demands of the defendant payment of ten and a half 
beaver and two shillings, for school money. 
The defendant acknowledges the debt. 

The court condemns the defendant to pay the plaintiff the demanded 
beavers, and this within six weeks. 

Adriaen van Ilpendam, plaintiff, vs. Peter Lockerman, def. 
The plaintiff demands payment of two beavers for one year's school 
money. 

The defendant acknowledges the debt. 

The court condemns the defendant [as above]. 3 

'The earliest observed mention of Evert Pietersen, the sixth regu- 
lar schoolmaster in New Amsterdam, occurs in the following quota- 
tion : 

Extract from the letter of Evert Pietersen, comforter of the sick, 
and schoolmaster in the Colonie established by this city, Amster- 
dam, on the South [Delaware] River, in New Netherland, dated 
10th August, 1657 : 
We arrived here at the South Kiver, on the 25th April, and found 

20 families there, mostly Swedes, not more than 5 or 6 families 

belonging to our nation. 

****.** 

1 already begin to keep school, and have 25 children, etc. 

****** 

EVERT PIETERSEN. 4 

During the winter of 1658-59, the colony at New Amstel, on the 
Delaware, experienced great distress, so that in a few months, famine, 

Dunshee, p. 39. s Alb. Rec, vi, 295. 

2 Paulding, pp. 28, 30, 31. 4 N. Y. Col. Doc, ii, 17. 



fn the State of New York. 17 

sickness and desertion had reduced the population to less than thirty 
families. Several of those who left the colony came to New Amster- 
dam, among whom was Evert Pietersen, who from the first had been 
their schoolmaster. Here, according to Mr. Dunshee, be was employed 
by the Director General, either as a colleague with Hoboocken, or 
as his locum tenens, while he was disqualified from teaching by sick- 
ness. It appears, however, from the action of the city officials, and 
from an " Order in Council," which Mr. Duushee quotes at length, 
that he was superseded by Pietersen, and was subsequently employed 
in Stuyvesant's " bouwery " as far north as Twelfth street, Pietersen's 
school being at the south end of the island. 1 

Friday Afternoon, 16 January, 1660: In the City Hall. 

Mr. Hermen van Hoboocke requests by petition that he may 
receive an allowance from the city, as he is behindhand with the 
building of the school, and for divers other reasons set forth in the 
petition ; on which petition is apostilled : 

Petitioner is allowed to receive his current year's salary, which 
shall be paid him at a more convenient season, on an order of the 
burgomasters on the Heer Treasurer, and his allowance is henceforth 
abolished. 2 

The following is the " Order in Council " above referred to, dated 
Oct. 27, 1661 : 

"Whereas, Harman van Hoboocken, before schoolmaster and choris- 
ter, was removed because another was sent to replace him [Pietersen], 
by the Lords Directors and the Consistory, solicits to be employed 
again in one or other manner in the Company's service, so is he 
engaged as Adelborst [signifying a sergeant or something above a 
common soldier], and allowed 10 guilders per month and 175</. for 
board, from 27th Oct., 1661. 

Nota: Whereas the aforesaid Harman is a person of irreproacha- 
ble life and conduct, so shall he be employed on the bouwery of the 
Director General as schoolmaster and clerk [voorleser], with this con- 
dition, that the Director General, whenever his service might be 
wanted for the Company as adelborst, shall replace him by another 
expert person. 3 

From this date, until after the capitulation, there were two schools 
under the care of the Consistory ; Pietersen's, at or near Fort 
Amsterdam, and Hoboocken's, on the Bouwery. 4 

The period of Pietersen's engagement is not definitely known ; but 
on his return to Holland he petitioned the West India Company for 

1 Dunshee, pp. 45, 47. » Alb. Rec, xix, 383. 

2 N. Amst. Rec, iii, 407, 408. "Dunshee, p. 47. 



18 Annals of Public Education 

a permanent engagement, the Director General and magistrates 
recommending his reappointment. 1 

The Directors of the Company wrote to Stuyvesant, December 24, 
L660: 

We will consider the petition of Mr. Evert Pietersen, late school- 
master and chorister in the colonie of the city, to be employed again 
in the Company's service, and return thither with his wife, "and 
enquire here about his character, conduct and abilities, when we 
shall communicate the result to your Honour. 2 

Subsequently, the following letter, dated May 2, 1661, was received 
by Governor Stuyvesant : 

The Directors of the West India Company, Department of Amster- 
dam, to the honorable, prudent, beloved, trusty Petrus Stuyvesant, 
Director General and Council, make known : 

Whereas, we have deemed it necessary to promote religious wor- 
ship, and to read to the inhabitants the word of God, to exhort them, 
to lead them in the ways of the Lord, and console the sick, thai an 
expert person was sent to New Netherland, in the city of New 
Amsterdam, who at the same time should act there as chorister and 
schoolmaster; so it is, that we, upon the good report which we have 
received about the person of Avert Pietersen, and' confiding in his 
abilities and experience in the aforesaid services, together on his 
pious character and virtues, have, on your Honor's recommendation, 
and that of the magistrates of the city of New Amsterdam, appointed 
the aforesaid person as consoler of the sick, chorister and schoolmas- 
ter, at New Amsterdam, in New Netherland, which charge he shall 
fulii! there, and conduct himself in these with all diligence and 
faithfulness; also we expect that he shall give others a good example, 
so as it becomes a pious and good consoler, clerk, chorister and 
schoolmaster; regulating himself in conformity to the instructions 
which he received here from the Consistory, and principally to the 
instructions which he received from us, which he shall execute in 
every point faithfully : Wherefore, we command all persons, without 
distinction, to acknowledge the aforesaid Evert Pietersen as consoler, 
clerk, chorister and schoolmaster in New Amsterdam, in New 
Netherland, and not to molest, disturb or ridicule him in any of 
these offices, but rather to offer him every assistance in their power, 
and deliver him from every painful sensation, by which the will of 
the Lord and our good intentions shall be accomplished. 

Done by the Department of Amsterdam, on the 2d of May, XYIc 
and sixty-one. 

(Signed) ABRAM WILMEEDONCX. 

By order of the above, 

C. VAN SEVENTER. 3 

2 Dunshee, p. 43. O'Call. N. N. , ii, 374, 388. Brod. N. Y., 652,653. 

8 Alb. Rec, iv, 364. 3 Alb. Rec, viii, 321. Duushee, p. 44. 



in tiie Static of New York. 19 

In a few days, another letter from the same source, dated May 9th, 
1661, was received, in which Pietersen's salary is fixed, and instruc- 
tions given with respect to the books he would need as krankbesoecher 
(comforter of the sick) : x 

Honorable, prudent, beloved Faithful : 

****** 

We have engaged, on your Honor's recommendation and that of 
the magistrates of the city of New Amsterdam, Mr. Evert Pieterseh 
as schoolmaster and clerk, upon a salary of ^30 per month [$15], and 
</125 [$52 + ] annually for his board, who is now embarked in the 
ship The Gilded Beaver, 2 but not with his wife, whose indisposition, 
as he said, prevented her departure. And whereas, he solicited to 
be supplied with some books and stationery, which would be of ser- 
vice to him in that station, so did we resolve to send you a sufficient 
quantity of these articles, as your Honor may see from the invoice. 
Your Honor ought not to place all these at his disposal at once, but 
from time to time, when he may be in want of these, when his 
account ought directly to be charged with its amount ; so, too, he 
must be charged with all such books of which he may be in want as 
a consoler of the sick, which he might have obtained from your 
Honor, which afterward might be reimbursed to Jhim, whenever he, 
ceasing to serve in that capacity, might return these ; all these must 
be valued at the invoice price. 3 

This correspondence establishes Evert Pietersen as the sixth school- 
master of the Reformed Dutch Church school. 4 

The requirement that all teachers be licensed, seems to have been 
duly observed and enforced, as appears by the following extracts from 
the Council minutes and the New Amsterdam Records : 

Andreas Hudde appeared before the Director General and Council, / 
and solicited a license to keep school, received for answer that the / 
Council shall ask upon his proposal the opinion of the Minister audi 
the Consistory. Done in New Amsterdam, 31 December, 1665. 5 -v-M( lit f*f 

On motion — The Attorney-General is commanded, to go to the 
house of Jacob Van Corler, who has, since some time, arrogated to 
himself to keep school, and to warn him that Director General and 
Council have deemed it proper to send him a supersedeas, till he 
shall have solicited and obtained from the Director General and 
Council an act in propria forma. 19 February, 1658. 6 

To the Rt. Hon ble Lords the Lord Director Genl. and Lords Coun- 
cillors of N. Netherland : 
Right Hon ble Lords — The burgomasters and schepens of the city 
of Amsterdam, in N. Netherland, represent with all respect, that 
some burghers and inhabitants of the abovenamed city have presented 

■Dunshee, p. 44. 4 Dunsbee, p. 45. 

3 N. Y. Doc. Hist, iii, 37 (4° eel), 58 (8* ed.) "Alb. Rec, ix, 309. 

8 Alb. Rec, iv, 373. ° Alb. Rec, xiv, 114, 



20 Annals, of Public Education 

a certain petition to this Court, whereof a copy is hereunto annexed, 
remonstrating that your Honours were pleased to notify Jacob van 
Corlaar, through the Heer Fiscal Nicasius de Sille, not to keep any 
school ; and as they, the petit nrs , find themselves greatly interested 
thereby, as their children had forgot what the above named Jacob 
van Corlaar had to their great satisfaction previously taught them in 
reading, writing and cyphering, which was much more than any 
other person, no one excepted ; therefore they request that the above 
named Corlaar may be allowed again to keep school ; and although 
the above named burgomasters and two schepens have spoken ver- 
bally thereon to your Hon rs , and your Hon 1-8 were not pleased to 
allow it, for reasons thereunto moving your Hon rs , they therefore, in 
consequence of the humble supplication of the burghers and inhabi- 
tants aforesaid, again request that your Hon rs may be pleased to per- 
mit the above named Corlaar again to keep school, which doing, we 
remain your Hon rs subjects. The Burgomasters and Schepens. 
In Amsterdam, in N. Netherland, the 5th March, 1658. 
By order of the Burgom rs and Schepens of the city aforesaid. 

JOANNES NEVIUS, Sec'y} 

In Council, 19 March [1658]. 

Presented a petition of burgomasters and schepens of this city, 
soliciting, that Jacob Yan Corlear, who, on the 19 February last, was 
interdicted by the Director General and Council to keep school, 
might be permitted it in the city. The apostill was — 

School-keeping and the appointment of schoolmasters depend abso- 
lutely from the jus Patronatus in virtue of which Director General 
and Council interdicted school-keeping to Jacob Van Corlear, as hav- 
ing arrogated it to himself without their orders, in which resolution 
they do as yet persist. 2 

Being presented a petition of Jacobus Van Corler, soliciting the 
permission to keep school within this city, and to instruct children in 
reading and writing. 

For weighty reasons influencing the Director General and Council, 
the apostill was nihil actum. 26 March, 1658. 3 

A petition being presented of Jan Lubberts, soliciting, that he 
might be permitted to keep school, to instruct in reading, writing 
and arithmetic : 

The apostill was : 

The petition is granted, provided he conducts himself as such a 
person ought to do. 30 July, 1658. 4 

To the Hon. Respectful, Valiant Director General and Council 
in N. N. : 
Shows with all due and submissive reverence Jan Juriaense Becker — 
your supplicant, that he, through the caprices of the unsteady For- 

1 N. Anist. Rec, iii, 87, 88. 3 Alb. Rec, xiv, 158. 

8 Alb. Rec, xiv, 151. ' Alb. Rec, xiv, 318. 



/,v the State of New York. 21 

tune — since a short time — not knowing why — has been compelled to 
become a tavern-keeper — for which he nearly sacrificed all what he 
possessed — and whereas, the supplicant is apprehensive that many 
difficulties, and even poverty is threatening him and his family — So 
is it, that the' supplicant, imploring addresses himself to your Hon., 
soliciting most humbly, that it may please your Hon. to regard with 
pity the supplicant, being an old Company's servant, and to employ 
him as a writer in the service of the Company, either in the Esopus — 
here or anywhere else, where ever your Hon. might deem it proper — 
or — if your Hon. cannot employ him at this time in their service — that 
then the supplicant might be permitted to keep school, to instruct 
the youth in reading and writing, etc. Expecting a favorable apos- 

Your Hon. obedient ser't, 

J. BECKER. 



The apostill was: Fiat — the keeping of a school. 16 August 
[1660]. 1 

To the Noble, great and Respected the Director General and Council 
in N. Netherland : 
Shows reverently, Johannes Van Gelder, a citizen and inhabitant 
of this city, how that he, supplicant — being tolerably well acquainted 
with reading and writing, it has happened that several of the princi- 
pal inhabitants of this city advised and encouraged him too — to open 
a public school, and consequently induced the supplicant— who looks 
out for a living in an honorable way — to adopt their advice — in the 
hope that he shall execute this task to their satisfaction who shall 
make use of his service — but as this is not permitted, except that an 
admission is previously obtained, so he addresses himself to your 
Hon's, requesting their admission for this exercise — viz— keeping a 
public school — which doing, etc. 

Your Honors' subject and servant, 

JOHANNES VAN GELDER. 
The apostill was: Fiat, quod petitur. 21 September, 1662. 2 
The foundation of the first academy and classical school, in the 
city of New Amsterdam, has been ascribed 3 to a representation trans- 
mitted to Holland, Sept. 19, 1658, as part of a petition of the burgo- 
masters and schepens to the "West India Company, a copy of which 
is hereafter given. "We find, however, an earlier document on this 
subject, as follows : 

The Directors of the West India Company to the Director General. 

20 May, 1658 : 
****** 

The Rev. Driesius mentioned to us more than once that it might, 
in his opinion, be serviceable if a Latin school was established, in 

1 Alb. Rec., xxiv, 074, 375. 3 Paulding's N. Amst, 41. Dunshee, 52. 

2 Alb. llec, xx, 215. 



22 Annals of Public Education 

which the youth might be instructed — in which he was willing to 
engage his service ; and whereas, Ave do not disapprove this plan, so 
we thought its communication proper, that your Hon., if you con- 
sidered it proper to make an experiment of such an establishment, 
might advise us in what manner such an institution might be carried 
into effect to the greatest advantage for the community, and with the 
least expense to the Company. 1 

The representation of the burgomasters and schepens, above 
referred to, dated Sept. 19, 1658, was in the following words : 

Right lion 1516 , Wise, Prudent Lords and Patroons and Commissaries 

of N. Netherland : 

****** 

Further, laying before your Hon rs the great augmentation of the 
youth in the Province and place, which yearly increases more and 
more, and finds itself now very numerous, and though many of them 
can read and write, the burghers and inhabitants are nevertheless 
inclined to have their children instructed in the most useful languages, 
the chief of which is the Latin tongue; and as there are no means 
to do so here, the nearest being at Boston, in N. England, a great 
distance from here, and many of the burghers and inhabitants of this 
place and neighborhood having neither the ability nor means to send 
their children thither, we shall therefore again trouble your Hon rs , 
and humbly request that your Hon rs would he pleased to send us a 
suitable person for master of a Latin school, in order that our child- 
ren may be instructed in, and study such language, not doubting but 
were such person here, many of the neighboring places would send 
their children hither to he instructed in that tongue; hoping that, 
increasing from year to year, it may finally attain to an- Academy, 
whereby this place, arriving at great splendour, your IIon rs shall have 
ihc reward and praise, next to God the Lord who will grant his bless- 
ing to it. ( )n your Hon" sending us a schoolmaster, we shall endeavor 
to have constructed a suitable place or school. 2 

The engagement of Alexander Carolus Curtius, as the first teacher 
of the Latin school, is recorded in the following extract from the 
Register of Resolutions of the Directors of the West Indian Com- 
pany Department of Amsterdam, as communicated to the officials of 
New Amsterdam : 

Thursday the 10 April, 1059. 
Appeared before the Directors, Alexander Carolus Curtius, before 
a Professor in Lithuania, of whom mention is made In former min- 
ute.-, who made an offer of his services, on which it was resolved to 
engage him as schoolmaster in the Latin language, in New Nether- 
land, on a salary of /">(»(» annually, of which shall be advanced to him 
a fourth, to provide himself with the necessary books, and moreover 
he was presented by the Directors with one hundred guilders, which 

1 Alb. Rec., iv, 268. 

'Paulding's N\ Amst, 41, 42. Dimshee, p. 52. N. Amst. Rec, iii, 233. 



in the State of New York. 23 

he may employ in merchandise to be of service to him at his arrival 
in N. JNetherland. 

When he arrives there, a proper spot for a garden and orchard shall 
be given him by the Director General, while he is further permitted 
to give private instruction, if it does not interfere with the office 
which he has accepted. 1 

The Directors wrote to the Director General, under date of April 
25, 1659 : 

Our earnest exertions to provide your city with a Latin schoolmas- 
ter shall, we expect, be placed beyond doubt by the arrival of Alex- 
ander Carolus Curtius, who was before a Professor in Lithuania, 
whom we have engaged for this purpose, allowing him an annual 
salary of y500, . . . boarding included, besides one hundred 
more as a gift, to purchase merchandise, of which he may dispose to 
his advantage at his arrival, as you will see from the enclosed extract 
of our resolutions, and the copy of our contract with him. 

****** 

The books which the schoolmaster required to instruct the youth 
in the Latin language, will not be made ready from the unexpected 
departure of the vessels, wherefore this must be postponed to the 
next opportunity. 2 

The Latin schoolmaster was present at a meeting of the burgo- 
masters in the City Hall, Friday, July 4, 1659 : 

Alexander Carolus Curtius appears in Court, who is informed that 
j#200 are allowed him as a yearly present from the city ; an order on 
the Treasurer is also handed him for j#50 over and above, which he 
thankfully accepts ; but requests, as he has but few scholars as yet, 
that his salary may be somewhat increased, as the beginning entails 
great expense, saying, whenever he gets 25 to 30 children to the 
school, he shall serve for less salary ; but refers it to the discretion of 
the No : Magistrates. 3 

The arrival of the Latin schoolmaster is also mentioned in a letter 
from Stuyvesant and the Council, to the Directors, dated July 23, 
1659 : 

The person of Alexander Carolus Curtius, whom your Hon. 
engaged to instruct in the Latin language, arrived here. We hope 
and confide that the community shall reap great benefits from it for 
their children, for which we pray that a bountiful God may vouchsafe 
his blessing. The state of this new institution shall be ere long com- 
municated to your Hon. 4 

The Directors wrote Stuyvesant, December 22, 1659 : 

The complaints which have been made by the Latin schoolmaster 
or rector shall, in our opinion, in great part be removed. Now 

1 Alb. Rec, viii, 201, 202. 3 N. Anist. Rec., iii, 378. Paulding's N. Anist:, p. 42. 
3 Alb. Rec, iv, 303, 305. 4 A11>. Rec, xviii, 19, 20. 



24 Annals of Public Education 

henceforward the payment is made according to the value of Holland 
currency. If to this sum is added that which he receives from his 
pupils annually, then it would seem to be adequate for the sustenance 
of. a single individual— more so — as his salary from time to time 
must be increased by the increase of the youth whose parents eannot 
decently neglect to reward his endeavors which he bestows on the 
instruction of their children. In this your Hon. ought to assist him, 
and recommend him to the parents, as the circumstances of time 
may permit. 1 

The following is an extract from a letter of William Beeckman, at 
that time Vice-Director of the colony on Delaware river, to Director 
General Stuyvesant, dated New Amstel, March 15, 1660 : 

Noble, Honorable, Respectful, Wise and very Prudent Sir : 

****** 

I kindly solicit that your Hon. will permit me — when an opportu- 
nity is offered— to visit the Manhattans in May or June. I intend 
to bring my two oldest boys to school.^ * * 

It is presumed that Mr. Beeckman here refers to the Latin school 
under consideration. 

That Professor Curtius was also a physician, appears from the fol- 
lowing extract of a letter from the Directors to Stuyvesant, dated 
April 16, 1660 : 

As we have .been informed that Rector Curtius is practising physic, 
and did solicit that we would provide him with an Herbarium, which 
would be to him of great service, so we send him this book by the 
present opportunity, which your Honour will deliver to him — but 
the book ought to remain the property of the Company — so, too, the 
books which have been lately transmitted. Your Honour ought to 
make a memorandum of all these articles, so that it may not be for- 
gotten. 3 

Rector Curtius seems not, however, to have justified the anticipa- 
tions formed in regard to himself and the school. He soon became 
involved in a petty, but protracted and unsuccessful lawsuit, as appears 
from the following curious records of the Burgomasters' Court, com- 
mencing Jan. 13, 1660 : 

Capt. Jan Jacob, pltff. vs. Alexander Carolus Curtius, def. and Daniel 
Tourneur, deft. Alexander default. Pltff. demands benefit of the 
default. 

Daniel Tourneur appearing, declares to have sold a hog for Capt. 
Jacob to Alexander Carolus Curtius, for live beavers, and having 
reed the hog, therefor saying and promising to give two beavers 
down, and the remaining three at the end of the month. 

1 All). Rec., iv, 325. 8 Alb. Rec., iv. 341, 343. 

2 A-lb. Rec, xvii, 43. 



in the State of New Yore. 25 

Capt. Jacob says he hath attached the Galiot [hog?], requesting 
that the attachment be declared valid. 

The W : Court declare the attachment valid. 1 

20 Jan. 1660. 
Jan Jacobsen, pltff. vs. Alexander Carolus Curtius, def. 

Pltff demands from def. five beavers for a hog, according to evi- 
dence of Daniel Tourneur, and the costs accrued thereon. 

Def. offers an exception as not being amenable before this Court, 
but before the Director General and Council ; says he purchased a 
hog for two beavers and two blankets, and can prove so by Jan 
Schriver, who, being called in, appears and declares that Dome. 
Rector commissioned him to buy a hog for two blankets and two 
beavers, and says that Daniel Tourneur, as authorized by Jan Jacobz., 
told him that Dome. Rector should have the hog for two beavers and 
two blankets. 

The W : Court order parties on both sides to summon their wit- 
nesses against the next Court, to confront them with each other. 2 

11 Feb., 1660. 

Alexander Carolus Curtius appears in Court, requests that his wit- 
nesses may be heard relative to the hogs in dispute with Capt. Jacob. 

Jan Schryver appears as witness in Court, who is informed that 
the Rector calls on him ; whereupon he declares that the hog in 
question was bought for two beavers and two blankets ; offering to 
confirm the same on oath. 

And whereas, Capt. Jacob's witness has not been heard, Capt. 
Jacob is ordered to summon Daniel Tourneur at the next Court day. 3 

17 Feb., 1660. 

Daniel Tourneur and Jan Schryver appearing in Court, are asked 
about the sale of the hog which took place between Capt. Jacob and 
the Rector Alexander Carolus Curtius. 

Daniel Tourneur declares that, after many words of praising and" 
bidding, the hog was sold to Dome. Rector for five beavers, saying 
that Capt. Jacob would not sell that hog less than five beavers, which 
was told to the Rector; to which the Rector answered, saying, in 
God's name he had but two beavers, and he must wait for the other 
three ; to which Capt. Jacob would hardly agree ; finally, through 
the mediation of Joannus Meulen, he let himself be persuaded ; 
offering to confirm the same on oath. 

The W : Court gave the parties eight days respite to recollect 
themselves, and if they have any proof, to bring it also in. 4 

1 June, 1660. Deft [Curtius] default. 

24 August, 1660. 
Capt. Jan Jacobzen, pltff., vs. Alexander Carolus Curtius, deft, and 
Danl. Tourneur as witness. Deft default. 
Pltff produces certain written declaration of Daniel' Tourneur 
relative to the sale of the hogs- in question, which the pltff sold to 

1 K. Amst. Rec, iv, 136. 3 N. Amst. Rec, iv, 182. 

■ N. Amst. Rec, iv, 143. ' N. Amst. Rec., iv, 190, 191. 



26 Annals of Public Education 

the deft, declaring, under offer of oath, that the same were sold for 
five beavers ; and whereas Jan Schryver is also acquainted with the 
purchase, he was ordered to be called, who, appearing, declares under 
offer of oath, that the sale was for two beavers and two coverlets ; 
and whereas both these offer to confirm their declaration by oath, the 
W : Court tendered the oath to Daniel Tourneur, who, having taken 
the same, the deft was condemned to pay the plaintiff the five beavers 
which he promised to pay for the hogs in question. 1 

7 Sept., 1660. 
Alexander Carolus Curtius appears in Court, acknowledging to 
have received the judgment pronounced against him in the matter 
between him and Capt. Jan Jacobz, saying for this time he submits 
to the same. 2 

Curtius was likewise at variance with the magistrates, as is indica- 
ted by the following : 

Extract from the Register of Resolutions adopted by the Hon ble Lord 
Director G-enl. and Council of New Netherland, on Tuesday, 25th 
May, a . 1660. 

****** 

Whereas the Hon ble Lord Director General and Burgomasters have 
last year allowed and ordained the Heer Rector Carolus Curtius to 
take six guilders per quarter, school money, for each boy, and Bur- 
gomaster had, on these conditions, allowed him a yearly salary from 
this city of two hundred guilders ; and whereas it has come to the 
burgomasters' ears, that the Heer Rector, of his own pleasure, 
takes one beaver per quarter from each boy, which is contrary to the 
order, burgomasters do therefore hereby give him warning and notice 
not to take any more than what is fixed upon by the Hon ble Lord 
Director General and burgomasters, or through neglect thereof bur- 
gomasters shall retain his yearly stipend which the lir. Rector receives 
from this city, and he shall receive no further allowance from this 
city. Done Amsterdam, in N. Netherland, the 9th August, 1660. 3 

12 July, 1661. 

Alexander Carolus Curtius communicates in writing the offer of 
his services, if this city will contribute to him six hundred guilders 
a year in beavers, on condition of receiving no contribution from the 
youth. Whereupon serves as marginal order : 

Burgomasters and schepens refer the petition to the Rt. Hon ble 
Lord Director General and Council of New Netherlands 

Still further, he was unpopular with his patrons : 

. The parents complained of the want of proper discipline 
among his pupils, " who beat each other and tore the clothes from 
each other's backs." He retorted by saying, " his hands were tied, as 
some of the parents forbade him punishing their children." The 

* N. Ainst. Rec, iv, 295, 296. :! N. Anist. Rec, iii, 427, 428. 

*N. Anist. Rec:, iv, 315. " N. Amst. Rec, iv, 505. 



in the State of New York. 27 

result was, the school changed rectors. Doctor Cnrtius returned to 
Holland, and the Rev. ^Egidius Luyck, who had been brought over 
specially to superintend the education of the Director General's sons, 
became principal of the High School. 1 * * * 

Director Stuyvesant wrote to the Directors of the "West India 
Company at Amsterdam, July 21, 1661: 

* * * * * * 

What Alexander Carolus Curtius, the Rector or Latin schoolmaster, . 
dismissed by your Honors, has remonstrated and requested of ua on 
his departure, your Honors can deduce from his annexed petition. 2 

* * * * * ' * 

No copy of this petition of Curtius seems to have been preserved, 
nor do we find any later record concerning him. 

We are not aware that any town on Long Island had a school at an 
earlier date than the one established at Midwout, now Flatbush. 
A lot for a village schoolhouse was set apart by an 

Ordinance of the Director General and Council of New Netherland, 
authorizing the laying out of the village of Midwout. Passed 16 
October, 1655. 

****** 

We, therefore, do hereby authorize said magistrates, Stryker, Hege- 
man and Swartwout, to lay out the aforesaid village according to the 
exhibited plan ; provided that 5 a 6 lots be reserved for public build- 
ings, such as for the Sheriff, the Minister, the Secretary, Schoolmas- 
ter, Village Tavern and public Court House.. 

* l ~ * * . * * * 

Done in the Assembly of the Hon ble Director General and Council 
of New Netherlands holden in Fort Amsterdam. Dated as above. 3 

The following document seems to refer to some of the aforesaid 
lots : 

To the Hon. Petrus Stuyvesant, and Members of Council in New 
Netherland : 

Remonstrate with all humility and due reverence the schepens of 
the Court in Midwout — how that they, remonstrants, often have peti- 
tioned how necessary and how beneficial the four church lots would 
be to the village Midwout and its inhabitants, and how much it 
would relieve the burthens of the inhabitants — when it pleased your 
Hon. at length to give for an apostill — that further written informa- 
tion was required — and in what manner it was intended that the 
aforesaid church lots were to be administered. 

Whereon we think it proper to communicate farther the following 
information to your Hon., and to explain this somewhat farther. It 

'Dunsliee, p. 53. O'Call. N. K, ii, 54G. Brod.* p. 694. 

2 N. Y. Col. MSB., xiv, 296 (as translated by Dr. O'Callaghan). 

3 O'Call. Laws of N. N., p. 199. K Y. Col. MRS., vi, IOC. 



28 Annals of Public Education 

should seem to us — with submission to your Hon. better judgment, 
that the best means were, by which the prosperity of the village of 
Midwout and its inhabitants would be most efficaciously promoted — 
as we will take the liberty to explain more at large. 

First, that 25 morgen 1 — situated to the east — with its appendages 
— might be employed to repair the church and keep it in a decent 
order — this is lying to the east of the plain and south of the road. 

Secondly, the other 25 morgen — lying too at the east side of the 
market, and at the north side of the road, with its appurtenances 
and privileges, to the maintenance of a school, church service, etc., 
which, if it is approved and consented by your Honours, shall be 
employed for these purposes. 

* * * * * * 

(Signed) JAN STRYCKER, 

ADRIAEN HEGEMAN, 

WILLEM JACOBSE VAN BOEREM. 

By order of the Schepens of Midwout aforesaid. 

PIETER TON NEMAN, Secret, pro tern. 

On this petition being read and considered, the following apostill 
was given : 

The two first points, with regard to the lots, are granted to the 
supplicants so as they are favored with these, for those beneficial 
purposes, as were explained by the supplicants. 

****** 

Done in the meeting of the Director General and Council, in Fort 
Amsterdam, in New Netherland, on the 29 January, 1658. 2 

That a school was actually established in Midwout as early as 1659, 
appears from the following paragraph : 

The early Dutch settlers . . . took measures for the educa- 
tion of their children, and the maintenance of suitable schools. Among 
the first records of the town, we find notice of the employment of 
a schoolmaster. Much care seems to have been taken, not only in 
the selection, but in the agreements formed with the teachers of their 
children. The first schoolmaster of whom we have any knowledge, 
was Adrian Hegeman, . . . one of the original proprietors of 
the town. . . . He was the ancestor . . . probably of the 
whole family of Hegemans, now living. He was engaged as school- 
master from 1659 to 1671. 

From the records of the town, it appears that the schoolmaster 
acted as town clerk ; and as the rates of tuition were low, previously 
to the American revolution, the offices of sexton, and " foresinger," 
or chorister, of the church, were conferred upon him with a view to 
[increase his emoluments. 3 * * * * 

The same author gives further information relative to more recent 
periods, which we reserve for future articles. 

1 A morgen was about two acres. 3 Strong's Hist, of Flatbusb, pp. 108, 109. 

2 Alb. Rec.,xiv, 73, 74, 75. 



in the State of New Yofk. 29 

The following document refers to a schoolmaster not mentioned in 
Strong's History of Flatbush : 

To the Director General and Council in N. Netherland : 

We, the subscribers, remonstrate with submission — that we thank- 
fully received from our church a subsidy to the amount of /"41 5:10, 
but there remain yet in arrears by Mr. Jacob N., surgeon .... f77 

by our schoolmaster, Reinier 32 

and yet by one barquier, Sander N 81 

together /190 

which we had flattered ourselves to pay of the remnants — it is, how- 
ever, so, that by want of payment, we must remain in want. So that 
we are again compelled to address your Hons. and reverently to 
solicit that we may be relieved from it. Which doing, etc. 29 
March, 1661. Midwout. In the name of our whole congregation. 

JOH. THEO. POLHEMIUS, 
JAN STRYCKER. 

The following apostill was given : As soon [as] the state of the 
treasury shall permit it — then to the supplicant shall by the Com- 
pany, in behalf of the church, be paid the half of the aforesaid sum 
by the Receiver. 1 

The second school on Long Island of which we find any record, 
was established at the English settlement called Middleburg, now 
Newtown. 

After the death of Rev. John Moore, minister of Middleburg, in 
1657, his family were left in quiet possession of the townhouse, the 
only public building in the place, and which served, as occasion 
required, the several purposes of a church, schoolhouse and parsonage. 
After the lapse of four and one-half years, during which period the 
town had been destitute of the public means of grace, the deficiency 
was to be in part supplied by the services of a schoolmaster, and it 
was expected that Mr. Doughty, who had married the widow of Mr. 
Moore, would surrender the premises for the use of the new teacher. 
He, however, objected to this, which gave rise to the following curi- 
ous memorial, the original of which is in English, and illustrates the 
antique handwriting and orthography of that period : 2 

To the Hon. Lord Stuyvesant, Lord General off the New Nether- 
lands, the humble petition of your Lordship's petitioners: 
That whearas God hath beene pleased off laet years to deprive us 
of Middleburrow, of Long Island, off the publyck meanes of grace 
& salvation, and also of education of our children, in scholasticall 
discipline, the way to true happinesse, but yet God in mercy of laet 

'Alb. Rec., xix, 95. " Riker's Annals of Newtown, pp. 46. 49, 52. 



30 Annals of Public Education 

hath provided for us a lielpe meete for the disciplyne of education of 
our children, and by the same person helpe in the Sabath exercyses, 
wee, therefore, who never gave nor consented to the giveinge oft the 
howsinge, and lands, buildt and fenced in, and alsoo dedicated for the 
use off the publyck dispensation of Gods word unto us wee humbly 
intreate your Honorable Lordshipe, that this our sayde schoolmaster, 
Richard "Mills by name, may bee by your Lordships order possessed 
of the sayde housinge and iands for his use and ours alsoo, for our 
childrens education and the Sabaths exercyse, the which God doeth 
require, and we have neede for us and our children theroff ; as the 
howsinge now stands, it is lieke all to goe to reecke and ruyne, the 
fences laellinge downe, the house and barne decayinge & wanteth 
repayre, arid Francis Dowtye doeth not repayre it, nor the towne, as 
it stands betweene him and them, wil not repaire it, and by this 
meanes is licke to come to nothing in a shorte time — and soo wee and 
your Lordship alsoo, by this meanes, shalle be disappointed ; therfore 
our humble request is to your Lordshipp, is, that this our schoolmas- 
ter, and at present our souls helpe in dispencinge God's word to us 
and our children every e Lords day, may bee setteled in it, to injoye 
it without any molestation, from Francis Doughty, or any of his, for 
soo longe time our God shall bee pleased to continue him amongst us, 
or to provyde another for us, thus knowinge that your Lordship is as 
willinge, to further our soules good as well as our bodyes — wee rest 
your Lordships humble petitioners & loyal subjects. Was signed, 
THOMAS HUNTE, MARY RYDER, 

FRANCIS SWAYNE, JOHN BARCKER, 
JAMES BRADISH, JOHN LAUSRIEN, 

JAMES LAWRENSEN, THOMAS CORNISH, 
NICOLAS CARTER, SAMUEL TOE. 

This petition being presented to the Director General, Petrus 
Stuyvesant, the following apostill was given upon it : 

These presence doeth requiere and order Francys Doughty, and 
wHome it may concerne, to give and graunt a quyett possession unto 
the present schoolmaster, Mr. Richard Mills, off the house and land, 
beeinge with our knowledge consent and helpe, buildt for the pub- 
lyck use off the ministery, & by that me:mes it may nor cannot 
bee given and transported for a privaet herrytadge ; provyded, if hee, 
either his wyfe hath, to demaund any remaynder of meanes or wages 
of her deceased husbande — Mr. John Moor, laet minister of the 
aforementioned towne — it beeinge made and by these presence doeth 
order the magestrates and inhabitants off the sayde towne to give 
unto the heyrs, what is due to them. Actum Amst. in the N. N. 
lands, this 18 th of February, 1661. Was signed, 

P. STUYVESANT. 1 

In compliance with this order the premises were vacated, and Mr. 
Richard Mills, the first schoolmaster of Middleburg, entered upon 
the duties of his vocation. 2 

1 N. Y. Col. MSS., ix, 498, 499. Alb. Rec., xix, 13, 14. Riker'a Annals, pp. 49, 50. 
• Riker's Annals, p. 50. 



in the State of New York. 31 

The third of the Long Island schools seems to have been estab- 
lished at Brooklyn. Mr. Stiles says : 

The year 1661 will also be ever memorable in the history of 
Breuekelen [Brooklyn] as having furnished to the good people their 
first schoolmaster. On the 4th of July, 1661, the following petition 
was presented : 

" To the Right Hon ble Director General and Council of New Nether- 
land : 
" The Schout and schepens of the Court of Breuekelen -espect- 
fully represent, that they found it necessary that a court messenger 
was required for the Schepens' Chamber, to be occasionally employed 
in the village of Breuekelen and all around where he may be needed, 
as well to serve summons, as also to conduct the service of the 
church, and to sing on Sundays ; to take charge of the school, dig 
graves, etc., ring the bell, and perform whatever else may be required. 
Therefore, the petitioners, with your Honors' approbation, have 
thought proper to accept for so highly necessary an office, a suitable 
person who is now come before them, one Carel van Beauvois, to 
whom they have hereby appropriated the sum of 11 150, besides a 
free dwelling ; and whereas, the petitioners are apprehensive that the 
said C. v. Beauvois would not and cannot do the work for the sum 
aforesaid, and the petitioners are not able to promise him any more, 
therefore the petitioners, with all humble and proper reverence, 
request your Honors to be pleased to lend them a helping hand, in 
order thus to receive the needful assistance. Herewith, awaiting 
your Honors' kind and favorable answer, and commending ourselves, 
honorable, wise, prudent and most discreet gentlemen, to your favor, 
we pray for your Honors God's protection, together with a happy 
and prosperous administration unto salvation. Your Honors' ser- 
vants and subjects, the Schout and schepens of the village aforesaid. 
By order of the same. 

"(Signed) ADRIAEN HEGEMAN, Secretary. m 

In answer to this petition, the Director and Council were graci- 
ously pleased to say that they would " pay fifty guilders, in wampum, 
annually, for the support of the precentor (voorsanger) and school- 
master in the village of Breuekelen." 

Carel de Beauvois, who was thus commissioned to fulfill the multi- 
farious duties of court-messenger, bell-ringer, grave-digger, chorister, 
reader, and schoolmaster of Breuekelen, is described by Eiker as a 
" highly respectable and well-educated French Protestant, who came 
from Leyden, in Holland. . . . He arrived at Amsterdam, in the 
ship Otter, February IT, 1659. . . . His literary merits and 
acquaintance with the Dutch language soon acquired for him the 
situation of a teacher ; " but in 1661, as we have seen, his duties were 
enlarged by his appointment to the office of chorister and reader. 
He afterward served as public secretary or town clerk, which office 
he held until 1669. 2 

1 N. Y. Col. MSB., ix, 678. Alb. Rec, xix, 194. 
1 Stiles' Hist. Brooklyn, i, 116, 117. 



§2 Annals of Public Education 

A movement for the building of a schoolhouse in Now Amsterdam 
is indicated by the following petition, dated Feb. 2, L662 : 

To the Noble-great and Respected the Director General and Council 

in X. Netherland. 
Noble-great and Respected : 

Shew with all due reverence to your lion's, the burgomasters of 
this city, whereas they supplicants have resolved to construct a good 
schoolhouse for the benefit of the inhabitants of this city — for which 
is required a useful and proper and well situated lot — and whereas, 
such a lot, just behind the house and lot where Mr. Jacob Vaneranger 
resides — in the Krewer street — opposite the house and lot of Johannis 
de Peyster is existing, so is it that your supplicants solicit your Hon. 
that it may please them to favor them with this lot — viz — broad along 
the street 30 feet— and further, in depth the half of its length, to 
employ this gift for a similiar pnr se, * * * 

Expecting hereon your lion's favorable disposition, we are and 
remain your lion's humble supplicants, the burgomasters of this city 
Amsterdam, in X. Netherland. 

By order of the same, and signed 

J O A N N ES N EVILS, Secretory. 

On this petition was given for apostill : 

The Director General and Council deem it, for various reasons, 
more proper that the schoolhouse be constructed on a part of the 
present church yard. 1 * * * 

There is no evidence . . . that the schoolhouse was built as 
contemplated. 8 

We have already quoted a statement that JSgidius Luyek suc- 
ceeded Curtius in the rectorship of the Latin school. lie arrived at 
New Amsterdam in January, 1662, being then twenty-one years of 
age. The following communication shows his original purp 
coming, and why he was afterward employed in a wider sphere of 
instruction. It will be borne in mind, in connection with these quo- 
tations, that the barbarous English is due to the translator of the 
"Albany Records" (Van der Kemp), whose eminent learning obvi- 
ously did not include the familiarity with the English language 
requisite for a translator. As a teaclier, minister and magistrate. Mr. 
Luyck seems to have maintained a good reputation in New Amster- 
dam for some twelve or more years, and it is quite reasonable to pre- 
sume that his formal introduction in the following paragraphs fails to 
do him literary justice : 

To the Noble Lord the Director Genera] and High Council in X. 

Netherland : 
Shews with all humble reverence, that whereas I, undersigned, 
called for the private instruction of the Director General's children, 

'Alb. Re< i 'Danshee, p ;: 



tit THE STATS OF N"JSTV YORK. 83 

Bometimes have by a few inhabitants here, who saw and heard the full 
satisfaction — be it said without the least arrogance ot' the aforesaid 
lion. Lord— upon the good method of inculcating the firsl principles 
of the Latin and Greek languages, as in writing, arithmetic!:, catechi- 
sing, and konorum morurfipraxis — with respect to his children — and 
even by his Hon. seriously solicited to request that I might be 
employed in the tjleotoratwn of this city — and his Hon. fully 
acquainted with the necessity of haying the youth in a now rising 
place — and that several who in behalf of their children submitted 
before to troubles and expenses —under the former Doctor — now 
should be compelled to sacrifice all their prospects, or at a yet greater 

expense send their children to the Pat/ria. 

So his Hon, deemed it proper to employ me for this end, promis- 
ing that he would advise and recommend it to the Lord Directors — 
so that a salary might he allowed to me. 

With this looking forward I remained satisfied, returned to the 
school, and exerted every nerve so that the number of my disciples 
was increased to 20 — among whom were two from Virginia and two 
from Fort Orange — and ten or twelve more from the two aforesaid 
places were expected, while other were intended to board with me. 

But while I was waiting with patience for an answer from the 
Directors, I nevertheless did not receive it, without knowing its cause, 

1 offer, notwithstanding, cheerfully to continue in my service, but 
solicil most earnestly and humbly that the Director General, with his 
High and Faithful Council, that it may please them to provide me 
with a decent salary, so as 1 cannot doubt, it shall meet their appro- 
bation, as well knowing- that L cannot hire on the small payment 
which is received from the disciples — and as a laborer deserve his 
wages — and if 1 might obtain a favorable resolution, my ardour and 
seal to acquit myself well of my duty must be of course increased — 
by which 1 am encouraged to remain. 

Your lion, humble and obedient servant, 

yEGIDIUS lityck. 

Fort Amsterdam, in N. Netherland, 30 July, 1663. 

The following apostill was given by a majority of votes: 
The supplicant ought first to address himself to the College of the 
\,o\\U Directors of the Privileged West Indian Company, Depart- 
ment ot' Amsterdam. Done at Fort Amsterdam, in ]N. Netherland. 

9 Aug., hit;;;. 1 

Advise of the Director General on the request of Rev. Luyck: 
My advise on the request of the Rev. ^Egidius Luyck is, that 1 
condescend to acquiesce in the majority of votes. Nevertheless, being 
of opinion that the instruction of the youth, with well regulated 
schools, is not less serviceable or less required than even church ser- 
vice -that the many proofs, too, of the supplicant's piety, talents and 
diligence in instructing children, and his more than common pro- 
gresses— which have been during live quarters of a year such, that 
they far excel the instructions of the late rector, Alexander Carolus 

'Alb. Rec., x\i, 857,258 



34 Annals of Public Education 

Curtius — as will be attested by the ministers of the holy word of 
God, and other competent judges — to which ought to be added, that 
such a plan is contributing effectually to increase the renown of this 
place and school— and really an actual advantage, so well for our 
youth as for our inhabitants, as by example, the increase of the school 
from Virginia and elsewhere — for these and other reasons, partly 
already explained in that petition, it would be my advice, that afore- 
said ^Egidius Luyck, to encourage him in his service, ought to enjoy 
the quality and salary, which the Lords Directors of the Privileged 
West Indian Company, Department of Amsterdam, granted to the 
first Latin schoolmaster, Alexander Carolus Curtius. If not abso- 
lutely, at least with decent intercession and recommendation, under 
the aforesaid Lords Directors. Done in Fort Amsterdam, in N. 
Netherland, 9 Aug., 1663. 1 

To the Noble, Great and Respectful the Director General and 
Council in N. Netherland : 

Gentlemen — With due respect and gratitude embraces your Hons. 
supplicant the apostill and address to the noble, great and respectful 
Lords Directors, not doubting, your Hon. kind recommendations and 
intercessions shall obtain the desired effect, while in the meantime 
your lions, supplicant finds himself once more compelled to address 
your Hons. and to remonstrate with due respect, that what your 
Hon. prudently referred to the College of the JSToble Directors as 
Lords and Patrons of this Province, was already performed and 
requested in behalf of the supplicant, as evidently appears by the 
letters received by the supplicant from his father and mother, show- 
ing that the proposal of the Director General and Council should be 
answered, and that the transactions of the Director General in this 
case were approved, so that it — but under correction, of your Hons. 
wiser and further seeing judgment — in the supplicant's humble 
opinion in similar affairs, it would be fruitless to address themselves 
de novo to the aforesaid Directors, in an affair already left by them 
to the College of the Director General and Council, and of which the 
circumstances and necessity must be better known to your Hons. than 
to the aforesaid Directors without any farther orders or directions 
about it. Therefore renews the supplicant his humble request, that 
it may please your Hons. to appoint and confirm the supplicant, either 
absolutely or provisionally, in the solicited Reotorate, with the 
ordinary salary — or to favor the supplicant with your Hons. favorable 
recommendations — to go — with the vessels now laying ready to sail — 
on a short trip — under God's guidance to the Fatherlande, to solicit 
there in person, agreeably to your Hons. apostill, the desired appoint- 
ment, with the salary annexed to it — so as the common proverb says 
— no better messenger than the man himself — for which I solicit 
your Hons. apostill in the margin. 

Noble-great and Respectful my Lords, 

Your humble and obedient servant, 

^EGIDIUS LUYCK. 

Fort Amst., in N. Netherland, 16 Aug., 1663. 2 

l Alb. Rec, xxi, 259. « Alb. Rec. , xxi, 269, 270. 



in the State of New York. 35 

To the Noble, Great and Respected, the Director General and Coun- 
cil in N. Netherland : 

N. G. and Respected ! — Shew to your Hons. with all reverence, 
the. burgomasters of this city, Amsterdam, in N. Netherland, that 
they have been informed — as the Rev. JSgidius Luyck thus far 
exerted himself to instruct the youth — so from this place as from 
other places, to learn the Latin language, in which, too, they have 
made considerable progress, to the full satisfaction of their parents ; 
and whereas the aforesaid Luyck, till this moment, remains ignorant 
if any salary for his labours is intended by your Hons. to bestow 
upon him — so as he now is soliciting by his petition presented this 
day ; and whereas, on your Hons. recommendations, and our letters 
last year written to the Directors, the aforesaid Rev. Luyck was 
requested to act here as schoolmaster in the Latin language, in lieu 
of the late Rector Curtius, on such a salary as should be allowed to 
him by the Directors — of which he has no information that any con- 
clusive step was made, so is it that we, experiencing the good instruc- 
tion and discipline of our youth, deem ourselves obliged humbly to 
solicit your Hons. that it may please them to grant the supplicant a 
favorable disposition on his written request — with granting him such 
a salary as your Hon. in their wisdom and discretion shall deem 
proper. So that the supplicant's growing zeal — to the detriment of 
your Hons. and that of our children — and the youth of this city with 
that sent hither from other places may not be cooled — but rather 
daily may be increased — to the renown and glory of this city — by 
our neighbors and other further remote places — in the hope that this 
our just request shall be maturely considered by your Hons., so that 
your Hon. shall favor the aforesaid Luyck with an ordinary and com- 
petent salary, by which we shall feel ourselves obliged, and remain 
Your obedient subjects, 

The Burgomasters of the city aforesaid. 
By order of the same : JOANNES NEVIITS, 

Secretary. 

Amsterdam, in N. Netherland, 16 Aug., 1663. 1 

The preceding petition being presented and read, the following 
apostill was given : 

The Director General and Council are, with the supplicants, of 
opinion that the continuation and encouragement of the Latin school 
is necessary — and, as it is customary in our Fatherland, that such 
persons by the cities which make use of them are engaged, so are 
the supplicants authorized by this, to allow such a salary to the afore- 
said Rev. Luyck as they shall deem reasonable — of which salary 
Director General and Council — provisionally upon the approbation 
of the Noble Directors shall pay the half. 16 Aug., 1663. 

Nota : In virtue of this authorisation, the burgomasters agreed 
with the Rev. ^Egidius Luyck, that he shall receive annually, in 
seewant [wampum], a 8 for a st. thousand gl., [1,000 guilders=$400], 
of which the Company shall pay the half. 2 

• Alb. Rec., xxi, 271, 272, a Alb. Rec, xxi, 273. 



36 Annals of Public Education 

We are indebted to Henry Onderdonk, Jr., of Jamaica, L. I., for 
the following item, with various others hereafter quoted: 

Jouas Houldsworth was clerk of Hempstead, and schoolmaster, in 
It'"'-. He was also a teacher at Southampton, and, I think, at Hunt- 
ington. His name may be seen in Thompson's L. I. 

The employment of a schoolmaster in Bushwyck is recorded in the 
Council minutes, under date of Dec, 20, L663 : 

Appeared in Council, the Commissaries of the village o\' P>ush- 
wyck, notifying how that they in their village were in great want of 
a person who would act as clerk (voorleser) and schoolmaster, to 
instruct the youth; and whereas there was proposed to them the 
person of Boudewyn ftiaenhout, from Orampen de Zek, 1 that they 
had agreed with him, viz. : that he should officiate as clerk (voo7 
and keep school tor the instruction of the youth — for which he should 
receive/400 in seawant, annually, besides free house rent - they 
solicited therefore, that this transaction might be approved by the 
Director General and Council in N. Xeiheriand, and that the Com- 
pany would contribute annually something to facilitate the payment 
vt' said salary. 

Which being taken in consideration by the Director General and 
Council in >.'. Netherland, the engagement of the person and the 
agreement with the aforesaid Boudewyn Maenhout is hereby 
approved, provided that he shall previously be examined by the Rev. 
Ministers (>( this city, and it' they deem him competent for the task, 
then shall annually be paid by the Company, to render it more easy 
to aforesaid village to pay that salary, to the aforesaid Boudewyn, 
y*25 heavy money. 

Done in Fort Amsterdam, in X. Motherland, on the day as above. 3 

The village o\' Bergen, now i^t' New Jersey, but formerly included 
within the limits ot New Netherland, seems to have had a school as 
early as L661 or L662, as appears from the following petition : 
To the Director General and Council residing in N. Netherland : 

Shew reverently, the Sheriff and Commissaries oi the village of 
Bergen, which they presume, is known to your Honours, that before 
the election of the Commissaries, ye were solicited for Michiel Jan- 
sen, deceased, to be favored with the appointment oi' a clerk (voorleser), 
who should at the same time keep school, «to instruct the youth, the 
person ot Engelbert Steenhuysen, who possessed the requisite abili- 
ties, so is it that the Sheriff and Commissaries now a year past pro- 
posed it to the community, who then approved it, and resolved to 
engage him not only as clerk (voorleser), but with the express stipu- 
lation that he, besides this function, was to keep school, which the 
aforesaid Steenhuysen engaged to do, and did so during five quarters 

1 A village in the Provii ul on the river de Lek ; there is another on 

the Menzo. ( Van 
Alt. Rec, xx. 297. 



m the State of New York. 37 

of a year — for which was allowed him/" 250 in sea want, annually — 
besides some other stipulations — besides the school-money — so as 
reason and equity shall demand — Now is it so, that the aforesaid 
Engelbert Steenhuysen, whereas he has a lot and house, and a double 
farm, situated in the jurisdiction of the village of Bergen, is, by the 
complaints of the majority of the community, obliged, with the other 
inhabitants, to provide for the sustenance of a soldier, by which the 
aforesaid Engelbert Steenhuysen considers himself highly aggrieved, 
and so resigned his office, pretending that a schoolmaster and clerk 
ought to be exempted from all taxes and burthens of the village — 
which he says is the common practice through the whole Christian 
world — which, by the Sheriif and Commissaries, is understood can 
only take place when such a clerk or schoolmaster does not possess 
anything else but the school-wharf [lot] — but by no means — when as 
a schoolmaster in possession of a house and lot, and a double farm — 
that he, in such a case, should pay nothing from his lot and lands — 
and the community at large is of the same opinion, as he receives his 
salary as clerk, and not only is obliged — to act well in his capacity as 
clerk (voorleser), but even to look out and procure himself a proper 
and convenient place to keep school, which he thus far neglected, and 
pretends that the community must eifect this, so that he may keep 
his school in it. They cannot perceive how Engelbart Steenhuysen 
can be permitted to resign his office, when he neglected to notify his 
intention a half year before — wherefore the supplicants address them- 
selves to your Hon., humbly soliciting them to insinuate to the afore- 
said Engelbart Steenhuysen to continue in his service this second 
year — and to decline, if the aforesaid Engelbart Steenhuysen is or is 
not obliged, by his possession of a lot and farm, to provide in the 
maintenance of a soldier, so well as the other inhabitants. Expecting 
upon this your Hon. resolution, which doing, remain your Hon. s't. 

TIELMAN VAN YLEECK. 

CASPER STEINMETS. 
17 December [1663.] 

The Sheriff, Commissaries and Engelbart Steenhuysen, mentioned 
in this petition, being summoned to appear before the Council, and 
being heard, parties at length, after many discussions, agreed that 
Engelbart Steenhuysen shall serve his time, agreeably to the contract 
mentioned in said petition, so as he ought to do. 1 

The employment of Johannis la Montagne, jun. (probably the per- 
son who served in the City Tavern in 1662), as schoolmaster at (New) 
Haerlem, is recorded as follows : 

To the Noble, Great and Respected Lords, the Director General and 
Council in New Netherland : 

Gentlemen ! — With reverence and due submission shew your noble, 
great and respectful supplicants, subjects residing at N. Haerlem 
. . . . having seen and experienced, from Sabbath to Sabbath, 

'Alb. Ilea, xxi, 439, 440. 



38 Annals of Public Education 

the small success of the public congregation, and folly believing that 

better care might be taken of the interests of religion', and die whole 

s lip with more decency performed, if a clerk and schoolmaster 

on a fixed salary could be engaged, so that the word of God might be 
heard, an edifying sermon road, catechising introduced, and the sick be 
visited, it seemed, therefore, to the supplicants of your lions., whose 
office is to attend to the common welfare and advantages of aforesaid 
village . . . to be their duty to speak with the congregation on 
this subject, and to endeavor to persuade Jean de la Montague, an 
inhabitant of that place, to save expence, that he would accept this 
-by permission— wherefore they deemed ir proper to address 
your Hon. as the patrons of the church of Jesus Christ, and humbly 
• ■ • • to solicit that it might please them to consent, both to the 
establishment of that office and the appointment of said person for 
the benefit of the church of God, and the not less necessary instruc- 
tion of the children — but considering . . . their present utter 
inability to provide a competent and "decent salary, and that it was 
not in their power to collect more for las susl than '24 seAepd 

corn, they are now most reverently soliciting that it may please your 
agreeably to their usual discretion, to contribute something for 
a decent salary and the better encouragement of 

Your humble supplicants and subjects . . . 
TLTUNKTK, 

JOllAXNKS VERVEELEK 
This is I. P. the ma:', of J A N PIETERS. 
Done in X. llaerlem, 25 December, 166 

[In Council], I" January [1664]. 
Presented and read the preceding petition of the Commissaries of 
X. llaerlem, and heard the verbal information of Mr. Johannis \ 
veelen, now one of the Commissaries, that it is highly necessary that 
some person be appointed there as schoolmaster and clerk, so* is it. 
that Director General and Council accept for this purpose the pro- 
posed person of Johannis la Montague, junior — and that he may 
officiate in both these offices with greater diligence, so shall be annu- 
ally paid to him by the Company.' the sum of Si the rare of 
the Company's treasury .- 

On the 17th day of March, the Director General and Council 

. an edict, requiring the practice of a custom long known in the 

fatherland. . . . to wit :" the public catechising F the children." 8 

The first civil ordinance in New Amsterdam enjoining this prac- 
tice, was as follows : 

1 AU>. Rea, xadi, 9, 10. " Donshee, p. 47 

A b Re- . sxii, 11. 



IN THE State of Nbtk York. 39 

Ordinaries 

Of the Director General and Council of New Netherlands for the 

better and more careful instruction of youth in the principles of the 

Christian religion. Passed L7 March, 1664. 

Whereas, it is most highly necessary and most important that the 
youth from childhood up be instructed not only in reading. Minting 
and arithmetic, but especially and chiefly in the principles and funda- 
mentals of the Reformed religion, according to the lesson of that wise 
King, Solomon — Train up a child in the way he shall go, and when 
he is old he will not depart from it — so that in time such men may 
proceed therefrom, as may be tit to serve their Fatherland as well in 
the Church as in the State. This, then, being taken into particular 
consideration by the Director Ceneral and Council of New Nether- 
land, because the number of children is, through the merciful blessing 
o\' the Lord, considerably increasing here, they have deemed it neces- 
sary, in order that so useful and God-acceptable a work may be the more 
effectually promoted, to recommend and command the Schoolmasters, 1 
as we do hereby, that they shall appear in the Church, with the chil- 
dren committed to their care and intrusted to them, on Wednesday 
before the commencement of the Sermon, in order, after the conclu- 
sion of Divine service, that each may. in the presence o\' the Reverend 
Ministers and the Elders who may be present, examine his scholars as 
to what they have committed to memory of the Christian command- 
ments and Catechism, and what progress they have made; alter which 
performance, the children shall be dismissed for that day, and allowed 
a decent recreation. 

Done, Fort Amsterdam in New Xetherland, dated as above. 8 

The following extracts from the official records of Southampton. 
L. L, have been furnished by Mr. William S. Pelletreau, of that town : 

1663, Sept. 22. — At a town meeting, "By ye major vote it is 
ordered and concluded that Jonas Houldsworth shall have 35 lbs . for 
his schooling per annum, for the term of three years at least, and his 
pay to be answerable to ye pay engaged to him by Hempstead, with 
ye allowance of 12 days in the yeare for his ouue particular occasions." 

l»;t'.4:. Sept. 5. — At a town meeting it is ordered that there shall be 
a schoolhouse of 20 feet long and 15 feet wide, built at the town's 
charge and finished tit for use before winter. 

Mr. Pietersen, who was employed in 1661, as the sixth official 
schoolmaster in New Amsterdam, continued to serve, in that capacity 
until at least 166S or 1669. The following items are taken from the 
New Amsterdam Records : -^ 

Tuesday, 11 Octob., 1661. In the City Hall. 
* * * * * * 

Mr. Evert Pietersen, schoolmaster of this city, represents, as his 
allowance from the Company is struck off, that burgomasters and 

1 Those were Pietersen and Hoboocken. Dmishee. p. 48. 

"N. Y. Col MS^.. x. pt iii, 10!. O'Call. Laws of N. N., 461. All). Rec., wii. 100. 



40 Annals of Public Education 

schepens shall be pleased -to keep him at the same allowance ; to wit : 
Jf:d6 per month, ^125 for board, Hollands currency, free house for 
school and residence, and free passage to JPatria ; offering his service 
and to continue the same. 

Apostille : — Petitioner shall have to be patient for the space of 
eight days, when his petition shall be disposed of. 1 * * 

No attention seems to have been given to this petition at the time 
designated, perhaps on account of the pending troubles, resulting, 
a few days later, 'in the surrender of New Netherland to the English. 
The Burgomasters' and Schepens' Court was continued, however, as 
appears from the records thereof, until November 10, 1774. From 
these records we copy further facts in regard to schools, as follows : 

Sept. 19, 1665. 

The petition of Mr. Evert Pietersen, schoolmaster and precentor of 
this city, being read & considered, requesting that he may have some 
proper fixed salarium, as he was heretofore paid his wages by the 
Hon ble Company, and lias been continued iu his employment Iron: 
that time to the present. 

Is apostilled as followeth : — Whereas order shall be shortly made 
relative to the salary of the ministers of this city, under which the 
precentorship also comes, proper order shall then be made herein 
likewise. 2 

8 May, 1666. 

Capt. Steynmets entering demands payment of a year's rent of his 
house, hired to the city as a city school, due on the first of this month ; 
amounting to the sum of J1260. 

Petitioner is requested to wait yet a while, as there is at present no 
money in the chest. 3 

Feb. 16, 166|. 

Evert Pietersen, schoolmaster and precentor, appearing and deliver- 
ing an a c . of earned salaiy w ch he claims from the city, requests pay- 
ment and further allowance for his future services: If not, says he 
will leave. 

Resolved to speak to the Governor hereupon. 4 

SCHOOLMASTERS IN NEW NETHERLAND. 

As the foregoing "Annals" have been arranged chiefly with 
reference to the chronological order of the events narrated, we have 
thus far omitted many interesting personal facts which it is now pro- 
posed to present in the form of biographical notices, the whole com- 
prising (with the facts contained in the " Annals ") all that we know 
of the several schoolmasters of New Netherland. 

1 K Amst. Rec, v, 606. 3 N. Amst Rec, [vi], 178. 

*N. Amst. Rec, [vi], 73. 4 N. Amst. Rec, [vi], 436. 



in the State of New York. 41 

OFFICIAL SCHOOLMASTERS. 

Adam Roelantsen, " The First Schoolmaster" 1633-1639. 
Nothing is known of Roelantsen prior to 1633, except that he was 
born about the year 1606, 1 and that he is several times mentioned as 
"from Dockum," a city in the northern part of Holland, and once 
as " van [from] Hamelwaard." There are a few documents in which 
he is mentioned as " schoolmaster " or " late schoolmaster " in New 
Amsterdam ; from all of which it is presumed that he followed this 
vocation from 1633 to 1639. He is more frequently mentioned in 
connection with court proceedings and business transations, at various 
times between 1638 and 1653, after which latter date we find no 
mention of the name Roelantsen. From the character of the suits, 
some fifteen in number, in which he was engaged, sometimes as plain- 
tiff and sometimes as defendant, with alternations of success and 
defeat, we have reason to believe that he was at times imprudent and 
passionate in his language, easily provoked to quarrel with his neigh- 
bors, and guilty, in at least one instance, of unchaste demeanor. He 
was also either plaintiff or defendant in at least five slander suits, 
in one of which he was made to acknowledge that his antagonist 
was an honest man, while in another both parties were fined thirty- 
five stivers for the benefit of the poor. Three of these slander 
suits were in 1638 and the early part of 1639, and may have been 
the occasion of his abandonment of teaching, and of his temporary 
emigration from New Amsterdam to the colonie of Renselaers- 
wyck, where, in 1639, his name was enrolled as a settler. He soon 
reappears at New Amsterdam, where he incurred a second fine 
for slander, and also sued two of his neighbors ; one for a washing 
bill, another for trespass in the case of damage done by cattle. 
These events occurred in 1640 and 1641. In 1642, he employed a 
carpenter to build a house according to a contract which is still on 
record. He likewise executed the deed of a house and lot, evidently 
of little value, as it was occupied at the time by the Company's 
negroes. He was " weighmaster " in 1643, and obtained the patent 
of a lot in New Amsterdam. The baptism of two of his children is 
tli us recorded : 

Tryntje, June 2, 1641. 
Daniel, Feb. 3, 1644. 2 

Nothing further is recorded of him until 1646, when he was left 
with four motherless children, for the management of whom, together 

1 N. Y. Col. MSS., i, 50. - Valentine's Manual, 18G3, p. 806. 



42 Annals of Public Education 

with the property of the late Mrs. Roelantsen (Lyntje Martens), four 
curators were appointed, one being "Jan Stevensen, schoolmaster." 
In July of the same year he had two more law-suits, one of which 
was for slander. During the months of August, September and Octo- 
ber he seems to have visited Holland, and on his return was sued for 
the passage money of himself and his son. His successful plea in 
defence was, that he worked his passage as a sailor, and that his son 
said the prayers. A contract for lumber, and the deed of a house and 
lot on Manhattan Island, are recorded as business transactions of the 
same autumn. On the 17th of December, he was convicted of adulte- 
rous conduct, and sentenced to be publicly flogged, and then banished ; 
but in consideration of his children and the wintry season, the execu- 
tion of the sentence was postponed, and was not finally enforced. In 
1647, " he was thrown out of the tavern by order of fiscal Van Dyck ;" 
was appointed provost ; and gained his cause in an action for debt 
against the sheriff of Breuckelen (Brooklyn). In 164:9, one Jan Appel 
was authorized by power of attorney to receive a lot of beavers from 
Jan Flodder and Adam Roelansten. In 1653, he was a private in 
the Burgher corps of New Amsterdam, and, like Curtius, closed his 
record with a law-suit respecting pork. "What further befell either 
himself or his children does not appear. 

The foregoing facts may be verified and more fully investigated by 
reference to O'Callaghan's " Calendar of Dutch Manuscripts " and 
" Register of New Netherland ;" the New Amsterdam Records, and 
Valentine's Manual for 1863, pp. 559-561. 

Jan Stevensen. 1643-1648. 
It has been supposed that Stevensen kept a private school, and 
if* so, he is probably the first one of this class of whom any record 
occurs. The earliest mention of him, so far as we have observed, 
is under date of July 3, 1643, at which time a patent was granted 
to "Jan Stevensen, schoolmaster, of a lot north of Fort Amster- 
dam, for a house and garden." 1 As already stated in connection 
with Roelantsen, he was appointed one of the curators of Mrs. 
Roelantsen's children and estate, March 9, 1646, being then desig- 
nated as " schoolmaster." 2 On the 20th of July, 1647, a power of 
attorney was given by " Jan Stevensen, schoolmaster, to Luycas 
Smith, to receive certain moneys from the W. I. Company at Amster- 
dam," 3 and on the 31st of August, 1646, a similar power was given 
to Stevensen himself by one Schut, 4 from which we infer that he went 

1 Cal. Dutch MSS., p. 3fi7. 'Cal. Dutch MSS., p. 38. 

2 Cal. Dutch MSS., p. 99. 4 Cal. Dutch MSS., p. 42. 



in the State of New York. 43 

to Holland about this time. This inference seems to be confirmed 
by the fact that, on the 26th of October following, Peter van der 
Linde was appointed clerk of the church (voorleser) vice Steven- 
sen ; x and further, by a statement made on the 13th of August, 1049, 
chat " Jan Stevensen, late schoolmaster at New Amsterdam, sold a 
house and garden north of the fort." 2 

In view of the foregoing facts, it seems almost certain that Steven- 
sen was an official instead of a, private schoolmaster, and that he is 
the one referred to in Stuy vesant's communication to the " Nine Men," 
dated November 14, 1647 (see p. 7). If this be so, he probably 
officiated during the long interval between Roelantsen and Cornelissen, 
and is entitled to rank as the second official schoolmaster in New 
Amsterdam. 

Jan Coknelissen. 164(?)-1650. 
Very little is positively known in regard to the life and character of 
this schoolmaster, or the period of his service in this vocation. As a 
family name, Cornelissen frequently occurs in the colonial records, 
and there evidently were two or more of them bearing the Christian 
name Jan. A carpenter by this name settled in Renselaerswyck in 
1635, and was employed by Arendt van Curler to build a house in 
1643. 3 This was doubtless a very different person from the school- 
master, who was probably identical with one said to come " from 
Hoorn," and who, in 1647, executed a power of attorney to a certain 
person to receive money from his (Cornelissen's) guardian in Hol- 
land. 4 Deeds of two lots in New Amsterdam were given by the same 
person, in the year 1653. 5 In 1658, " Rutgert Jansen was beaten by 
Jan Cornelissen, so that the blood flowed." It appeared in court that 
abusive words passed between the parties, and both were fined ; Cor- 
nelissen, twelve guilders, the other, six. 6 In 1660, Jan Cornelissen, 
" the Zealander," had a law-suit with Pieter Janzen, about a road 
across land sold to the former. 7 The next year (1661), Jan Cornel- 
issen was appointed one of the three magistrates of Bushwyck, 8 and 
in 1674, a person of the same name was plaintiff in a suit in New 
Amsterdam, which ended in an amicable settlement. 9 It is possible 
that all these facts, excepting that respecting " the carpenter," refer 
to " the schoolmaster," though this cognomen is not associated with 
the name in any of the records here cited. 

1 Cal. Dutch MSS., p. 121. G N. Amst. Rec, iii, 64, 65. 

2 Cal. Dutch MSS., p. 21. 7 N. Amst. Rec, iv, 162, 194. 

3 O'Call. Hist. N. K, i, 435, 458. 8 O'Call. 1ST. N., ii, 430. Brod. N. Y., p. 

4 Cal. Dutch MSS., p. 40. 693. 

6 Cal. Dutch MSS., p. 377. "N. Amst. Roc, vii, 117. 






44 Annals op Public Education 

It is proper to add, that several members of other families seem to 
have been christened "Jan Cornelissen," and that one Bueh person, a 
son of Cornells Jansen, is referred to in the Index to the Calendar of 
Dutch Manuscripts, and in the body of that work, under the name 
Comehisstm. 

William Yerstius. 1650-1655. 

Nothing appears on record in regard to Mr. Yerstius, so far as we 
have observed, beyond the facts stated in the foregoing "Annals* 3 
(pp. LO, 18,18). 

Johannes db la .Montagne, Jun k , Attn Amsterdam^ 1652; 
lla, rlem, L663. 

Dr. Johannes de la Montagne, senior, was born in 1502, and came 
to New Netherland in L637. By his first wife, Rachel Mionjour, he 
had four children, oi whom Johannes, or Jan, the subject of this 
sketch, was the eldest. Jan was twice married; first to Petronella 
Pickoll, by whom he had a sen named Vincent, who attained the 
remarkable age of one hundred and sixteen years, and is the ancestor 
of all the La Montagne family in these States; and afterwards to 
Maria Yermilyea, whose throe sons were named Abraham, [saac and 
Johannes. There wore, therefore, three generations bearing the 
characteristic name of Johannes [or Jan]. The second Jan, the 
Schoolmaster, known as "junior," was one ot' the pioneer settlers Off 
BLaerlem, on Manhattan Island. 1 lie also held the following offices 
under the colonial government, in addition to that ot' schoolmaster: 
clerk in bookkeeper's office, prior to L655; farmer oi' the revenue 
(tavern excise), New Amsterdam and Long Island. L657-8; fire- 
warden. New Amsterdam, L658; schoutfiscal (sheriff), llaerlem, 
1661 : magistrate, llaerlem, L662, L663. a Judge Benson's" Memoir," 
read before the New York Historical Society in L816, gives a num- 
ber o( interesting reminiscences of the family (pp. ;>2-34). 

Uakmkx van HoBOOOKEN. 1665-1664. 

In addition to the facts already given, we have ascertained that 
Hoboocken lost his wife about the year 1656 j married Marritje Pie- 
ters, a widow. Oct. 26, L662, and that he had children baptized as 
follows : 

Emmetje, Feb. 12, 1655. 

Johannes. Nov. L2, L656. 

Hendrickje, May 28, 1664. 8 

'O'Call. N. V. II, 31. ; Val. Man.. 1863, p. 640; 1868, pp. 664, 804. 

O'Call Reg.H N . pp 86, 34, 11, 96, 97, LIS. 



fn the State of New York. 45 

Evert Pietersen. 1G61-1G68 (?). 
We learn, in regard to Pietersen, that he was made executor of 
Domine Welins, July 12, 1661, 1 and married Aillegond Joris, a 
svidow, for his second wife, June L(>, 1669. a lie resided on the south 
side of Brewer (now Stone) street, 3 and his estate was assessed at 
/2,000, in 1674. 4 

Alexander Carolus Curtius, First Latin Schoolmaster. 1659-1662. 
We find nothing respecting Curtius, beyond the extended state- 
ment in the foregoing "Annals" (pp. 22-27). 

^Eqidius Luyck:, Second Latin Schoolmaster. 1662-1664. 

yEgidius Luyck came to New Amsterdam in January, 1662, for 
the purpose of instructing the sons of Director Stuyvesant. He was 
then twenty-one years of age, and, though young, bore the title of 
domine, or reverend ; but he was merely a theological student at that 
time. Upon his arrival here, he took charge of the Latin school, 
established three years before, and which had been up to this time 
under the care of Alexander Carolus Curtius. At the time of the 
capitulation, which occurred in October, 1664, he took the oath of 
allegiance to the English. 5 In 1665 he visited Holland in company 
with Director Stuyvesant, who went there to vindicate his course in 
giving up New Amsterdam to the English without resistance, and 
while there gave testimony at different times on the subject. Luyck 
returned to New Amsterdam, 6 and in December, 1671, was invited to 
perform service on Sabbath evenings, on account of the sickness of 
Domine Drisius, he (Luyck) having already officiated several times 
acceptably. 7 He was a burgomaster in 1674, and was possessed of 
considerable property, being assessed at ^5,000 in a tax list dated 
New Orange, 19th February, 1674, signed by himself, among others, 
as one of the commissaries. 8 He was plaintiff in a law-suit about this 
time, and obtained judgment for glQ52, orjUSSJ* 

As burgomaster, he signed the articles of capitulation at the recap- 
ture of the city in 1674. When, on the final restoration of the 
colony to the English, the inhabitants were required to take the oath 

1 N. Amst. Rec, iv, 558. 8 N. Y. Col. Doc, ii, 469. 

a Val. Man., 1862, p. 618. 7 N. Amst. Rec, vi, 653. 

9 Val. Hist. of N. Y., pp. 115, 120, 325. B Alb. Rec, xxii, 406; xxiii, 182, 183; see, 

4 Alb. Rec, xxii, 406. also, xiv, 74. 

* N. Y. Col. Doc , iii, 75. 9 N. Amst. Rec, vii, 175, 220, 225, 229, 230. 



; ! 



46 Annals of Public Educati 

of allegiance to the now government, Lnyck, with others, refused to 
d so 3 and soon after left the country, finally, for the fatherland. 8 

In December, L 663, Luyck was married to Judith Isendoorn, who 
has generally boon supposed to have boon connected with the Stuy- 
vesant family, but whom recent investigations prove to have boon 
only a namesake o( another person thus connected. Domine Selyns, 
who was gifted with considerable poetic talent, invoked the muses at 
this marriage festival, which has boon classed among the notable ones 
of that early period/' We are indebted to a volume of the " Brad- 
ford Club Series," entitled "Anthology of New Netherland," by the 
lion. Henry C. Murphy, for the following- elegant version of Selyns 5 
Nuptial Song, which furnishes a pleasing episode to our narrative : 

NUPTIAL SONG 

Fob .KiiiiMis Luyck vno Judith Van [sbndoobh, Married the sebcooti day of 
Chrtstm is. 

Ant— Ghria i A 
l. O, Christmas eight ! day's light transcending; — 
Who no beginning had or ending 

Until Ho man became, was God. 
Then IK- who ne'er before was human 
Was born in Bethlehem of woman, 

When nips the frost the verdant sod. 

0. This richest babe comes poor in being, 
More pearled within than to the seeing 

"With diadem and royal power; 
He takes no heed oi greater places, 
But that small spot alone embraces, 

Where light illumes the midnight hour. 

o. A maid remaining is the mother 
Of our salvation-working author. 

Who so defends us by his grace. 
We either death or devil tear not. 
For God in Him became incarnate. 

And wrestles with that hellish race. 

4. This Prince,— do they desire to find him? 

They're worn-out swaddling clothes that bind him. 

A manger, spread with hay, 's his bed. 
His throne is higher than the highest. 
Yet he among the cattle lieth. 

What Him. to such a lot, has led? 

' N Y Col Doc, 

: Murphy's Anthology of X. N., (Brad. Club Series), p. 171. 

•Val Man. 1862, p 772 



/v the State of New York. 47 

5. Ami as they bring this child before them, 
Luyck comes and marries Esendooren, 

Standing before this Christlike crib; 
And finds when her consenl is shewn, 
Flesh of his flesh, bone of his bone, 
For Judith is his second rib. 

0. Now seeks he God with chaste affection. 

Win) take before such crib direction, 

Are better than this Bethlehem, 
Which Christ no resting place will give; 
For they, the after-life, shall live 

With Him in New Jerusalem. 1 

Selyns' sportive fancy is well exhibited in a second poem in honor 
of the same nuptial pair. On account of the length of this produc- 
tion, we give only extracts therefrom : 

BRIDAL TORCH 
For Rev. ^Egidius Luyck, Rector ok the Latin School at New Amsterdam, 
and Judith Van [sbndoohn, Lighted shortly after the Esopus Murder 
Committed at Wiltwyck, in New Netiierland, uy the Indians, in the 
Tear 10(33. 

How soon the flame of war the flame of love destroys ! 
For Mars comes wickedly, the innocent to injure ; 

Nor does it Cupid please, who peace and love enjoys, 
And starts, at sight of arms, to hide himself from danger. 

* * * * * 
Ami had he not betimes unto his wings betaken, 

They sure had killed or wounded him, or captive borne 
For Indian chiefs to serve, or Indian forts to work in. 

Hut quickly sat he on the mountains of Katskil, 
And thus his woe bewailed : " Domestic joys ne'er bless you, 

Till Hymen tends my loves, and wedlock serves my will." 

* * * * * 
With these and like complaints the rogue his time did spend, 

And then flew back again, to town and hamlet hieing. 
But where he flew nor bow nor arrow had to bend ; 
And his vocation so with difficulty plying. 

* * # * * 
The captives, now and then, as from the grave return ; 

The savage monster's slain ; his wife and children vanish ; 

His maize is all destroyed ; his fort burnt to the ground ; 
His guns for booty ta'en ; his seewan Alls our coffers. 

***** 

Oft through interpreters, for terms the Indians sue ; 
The port of peace to gain they earnestly endeavor. 

When Cupid hears of this, he comes with great ado 
And asks, " Who has my bow V and wails, " Where is my quiver? " 

* * * * -X 

1 Murphy's Anthology, pp. 133, 135. 



48 Annals of Public Education 

They gave his weapons back, but made him no reply, 
Seeking to hush his wrath by thus his arms restoring. 

He quickly seizes them, and draws his bow on high, 
As if he wished to pierce some special mark above him. 

The fort, New Amsterdam, is now by all possessed ; 
While Judith stands beneath, Luyck looks from the embrasure, 

And ere they see or think, he shoots Luyck in the breast. 
Nor does one shaft suffice his cov'nant-making pleasure. 

" Where did he shoot ? where was 't he shot ? " inquire the folks. 
Luyck speaks not, for he feels something his heart is boring. 

As all look up at Luyck, so Judith upward looks. 
He shoots a second time and pierces Isendooren. 

This great commotion makes and causes, far and wide, 
Reechoings of joy. While speaks he not, the cry 

Resounds throughout the land : " Joy to the groom and bride, 
Joy to the married pair, and joy eternally." 

" Blessings a thousand fold, attend them both," they shout, 
" In body and in soul, here and hereafter flowing. 

Joy fill the house within : no sorrow lurk without : 
Who gives us happiness, the same on them bestowing." 

Now we, who from this rogue, do neither child of Mars, 
Nor "Venus understand, nor yet the ways of mortals, 

Save what to wedlock leads and from uncleanness bars, 
Wish them the best increase, and joy within their portals. 

May this new married pair, peace and salvation know : 
The budding hopes of Luyck and worth of Isendooren, 

Develop more and more, and thus with time so grow, 
They at the dying hour, the port of heaven may moor in. 1 

Richard Mills, Middleburgh (Newtown), L. 1. 1657(?)-1661. 

In the foregoing " Annals," we have spoken of the school at Mid- 
dleburgh as probably the second one established on Long Island. It 
appears, however, from O'Callaghan's " Register of New Netherland " 
(page 120), that Mr. Mills, the teacher of the school, officiated in the 
place of the late minister, Rev. John Moore, as early as 1657 ; and it 
is not improbable that his duties of schoolmaster were assumed at 
that time. If this inference be correct, Mr. Mills was probably the 
first instead of the second schoolmaster on Long Island. 

He removed to Westchester in 1661, where he became involved in 
a civil disturbance, which led to his arrest and imprisonment. Mr. 
Riker says : 

Richard Mills, the late schoolmaster of Middleburgh, did much to 
forward the revolt at Westchester, 2 of which place he had become a 
resident and the leading magistrate. Stuyvesant had him arrested, 
and he remained in prison more than a month, but pleading with 

1 Murphy's Anthology, pp. 137-147. 

8 This was an attempt to throw off the Dutch authority. 



/7V the State of New York. 49 

much importunity to be liberated, " being ancient and weakly," and 
intending in September to sail for Virginia, the Council, on June 
18, 1663, passed an order for his release, and he, some time after, left 
the province. 1 

Copies of two successive petitions by Mills for release from imprison- 
ment, are given at length in " Bolton's History of Westchester 
County," vol. ii, 167, 168. We have met with nothing further, illus- 
trative of his early life or subsequent history. 

Adriaen Hegeman, Midwout {Flaibush). 1659-1671. 

Eev. Dr. Strong, in his History of Flatbush (p. 109), says of 
Adriaen Hegeman : " He was one of the original proprietors of the 
town, and was the owner of the farm lying immediately north of the 
property now [1842] in the tenure of Mr, Isaac Cortelyou. He was 
the ancestor of the widow of the late Peter Lefferts, and probably of 
the whole family of Hegemans now living. He was engaged as 
schoolmaster from 1659 to 1671," It also appears that he was a 
magistrate of Midwout as early as 1654, 2 was appointed sheriff in 
1660, 3 officiated as secretary of schout and schepens' court of Breucke- 
lyn in 1661, 4 and was schout, and member of a convention held at 
Midwout, in 1664. 5 His widow, Cattelyna Hegeman, is mentioned as 
applying to the Commanders and Honorable Council, in 1673, for 
leave to proceed with immediate execution against debtors, which was 
granted. 6 

Dr. Strong mentions another Adriaen Hegeman, perhaps a son of 
the former, as schoolmaster in Flatbush from 1719 to 1741, and also 
mentions, in his reminiscences of the Revolution, that the British 
" knocked out large port-holes in the house of Adriaen Hegeman 
which stood on the spot where Mrs. Cynthia Lefferts is now [1842] 
living." 6 

Carel de Beattvois, Breuckelen (Brooklyn). 1661- (?) 
A brief sketch of this person (the greater part of which, as quoted in 
Stiles' History of Brooklyn, has been given qn pages 185, 186), and 
the genealogy of his descendants, will be found in Biker's Annals of 
Newtown, pp. 406-410. We only add the following record, from 
which it appears that he originally intended to teach in New 
Amsterdam : 

1 Riker's Annals of Newtown, p. 59. " Ante, p. 131. 

2 O'Call. Register of N. N., pp. 76, 145. 5 N. Y. Col. Doc, ii, 602. 

a Stiles' Hist, of Brooklyn, i, 112. 6 Strong's Hist, of Flatbush, pp. 110, 143 









50 Annals of Public Education 

Friday. 27th Juno, 1059. In the City Hall. 
****** 

The undersigned persons appear in Court, requesting their Small 
Burgher Right : Carol Beauvois, of Leiden, intending to keep school 
here ; Puck Jensen van Oldenburgh ; Antony van Aalst, all oi whom 
have taken the Burgher oath. 1 

Andbies van deb Sluts, 8 Esopus (Jfifagston). I658(fy 

This person wrote to Director Stuwesant. from Esopus, Sept. 28, 
L658, as follows: 

****** 

The inhabitants here are very desirous to retain me in the service 
[of voorleser or reader], in order to explain the word of the law 
according to my poor ability, and to catechise the children and instruct 
them in reading and writing : but inasmuch as mine I leer General 
had spoken with them about a minister, they cannot engage me tor a 
term o\ years. Therefore it is my humble and respectful petition to 
mine lleer General, that he would be pleased to assist me herein or 
otherwise, so that 1 may by this means and the help of Cod get hon- 
estly through the world. 1 ' 

* * * * * * 

We find no mention of this application in the Council minutes, nor 
any further evidence that he officiated as schoolmaster at Esopus. 

Ajrent Evebtseh Molenaae, New Armstel (Ddatoare). 1661. 4 

This person seems to have succeeded Evert Pietersen as school- 
master at the above settlement. 

EnGELBEBT SlKKNUlYSKN, /AvVcVJ . UHU-KHvVl 

PiKiMFK. dfidwout (ffla&ush). 1661-fl). 

Jonas HoTJLDSWOBTH, Jlii/)j\^<-iu7, 1663; $out/iamj->to?i, 1663-1665(1) ; 

Huntington (?) (1). 

Boudewth MwNHorr, Bushwyck. 1668-(J). 

We find nothing beyond the documents heretofore quoted, relative 
to either of these schoolmasters. 

Avokiks Jan-.-. (Jansen), Bensefoerstoyck, 1650. 

Among the signers ^f the " Address of citizens of Albany to the 
Earl «>f IVUomont." dated Aug. 24j L700, 5 and on the list of free- 
holders in Albany in 1701/ we rind the name of Andries Jansz. His 
child. Catryntje, was baptised Sept. s. i^T-j/ 

N axast Koc.iii. ':: ' N. Y. Col. Doc, iv, 754. 

•O'CaU Reg N N.,p.l82. *N. Y, Col. Doc.,iv, 940. 

N Y Col mss . xii. SO. ' Val Man., 1868, p. TSi. 
'OV:i!! R^ N . N . p isa. 



A 



ix the State of New York. 51 

Jacob Joosten, Wiltiwyck {Evngston). iggo-iggs. 
Mattys CapitOj Wiltwyck. 166(?). 
We :nv indebted to JonathaD Easbrouck, Esq., of Kerhonkson, 
Illster county, for the following facts : 

Jacob Joosten, from ,c Raagh ande Mesel, 1 in Duyslant," came 
down to Wiltwycke (Kingston), from Fort Orange, in the fall of 
1660, and opened both a "dayand night school." Ho hold catecheti- 
cal exercises twice a week. He was voorleezer (reader), and in the 
organization ot' the first court, May, 1601, he was appointed messen- 
ger or constable. Ee received from the bench two hundred guilders 
in sewan per year, which probably covered his office in church, for the 
court paid the church bills by a morgen taalen (land tax). At first 
lie did not have a day school during the summer season, but about 
1664 and 1005, he kept one. He, however, kept up the night exer- 
cises all the year, except during "oosttyd" (harvest time). He married 
6th August, 1002, Ariaentje Reschuer, born in Welpe in Gelderland, 
a widow of Marcus Leenderse, of Fort Orange. He died childless 
about 1680, and left a small estate to Gerret Cornelisseu, New Kerke. 
I omitted in proper order to say, that he was discharged from office 
because o\' disobedience, 1665. Wm. Montague succeeded him in the 
schoolroom, but that was under the English. The schoolroom was at 
first in the shanty which served for guard-house, church and court- 
room as well. The roof rested on a pole which laid in the crotch of 
two trees. On the erection of a court-room and church in 1001, he 
moved his school to it, and stayed in it until lie " quit school." He was 
paid by subscription of the patrons of bis school, and received his pay 
in beans, peas, oats, wheat, hops, etc. 

Mattys Oapito, secretary of the Esopus, taught a school at one time, 
but I cannot learn when. He sued Hester Donsoeise for the school- 
ing of her daughter, 1065. 

PRIVATE SCHOOLMASTERS IN NEW AMSTERDAM. 

Adriaen Jansen van Ilpendam. 1645-1660. 

Mr. Valentine says : 

For the year previous to his [Roelantsen's] banishment, one Arien 
Jansen van Ilpendam settled here and opened school.- Having no 
competitor after Roelantsen's banishment, 3 it is to be supposed that 
Van Ilpendam succeeded in making his pursuit profitable, inasmuch 
as children were fast accumulating in the town. The terms of tui- 
tion charged by this teacher were two beavers per annum. 
We find, from various sources, that Van Ilpendam taught several 

1 Wcsel, (?) 

5 Mr. Dnnshee (p. 51) mentions two private schoolmasters, "Aryaeu Jansen" and 
" Adrian van Ilpendam," whom we conclude to be one and the same person, Adriaen 
Jansen van Ilpendam. 

3 We find no evidence that Roelantsen had been teaching for several years prior to 
his banishment, i. e., from 1639 to 1616; nor, as we have already seen, was the sen- 
tence ever enforced. 



52 Annals of Public Education 

children, who afterwards were among the leading citizens in town. 
He lived in this city and taught school during man y subsequent years, 
at least as late as in the year 1660. But of his ultimate history we 
can ascertain nothing. It appears certain, however, that he left no 
descendants in this colony. 1 

We find, however, the following additional record in the "'Abstract 
of Patents," in the office of the Secretary of State, from which we 
conclude that Ilpendam removed to Beverwyck (Albany) and lived 
there a number of years : 

May 21, 1667 — To Adriaen Jansen van Ilpendam, to confirm a 
conveyance to him, made March 14, 1658, by Jochem Wessels, of a 
certain lot of ground lying in Beverwyck, at Albany. 2 * * * 

We have also quoted in the "Annals " (p. 16), a court record dated 
at Fort Orange (Albany), in 1660, in relation to school money. 

David Pkovoost. 1647 (?). 

Dr. O'Callaghan, in his " Register of New Netherland," speaking 
of the "Nine Men" (p. 55), says: "They held their sessions in 
David Provoost's schoolroom ; " and on page 130, he mentions 
Aryaen Jansen [Van Ilpendam] and David Provoost, as school-mas- 
ters in 1647. 

Mr. Provoost was a prominent citizen of New Amsterdam, and 
one of the " Nine Men," in 1652 ; but we find no other mention of 
him as a schoolmaster. 

In the list of baptisms in the Dutch Church, we find the names of 
nine children of David Provoost. These baptisms occurred between 
February 24, 1641, and March 26, 1656. 3 He died in 1656, leaving 
his widow, Margaret Jellisen (or Gillisen), and several children who 
afterwards became prominent citizens, and whose descendants are 
now numerous in the State. 4 

Joost Cakelse. 1649. 5 
We find no original record of his service as a schoolmaster, but 
learn that he took the oath of allegiance to the English at the capitu- 
lation in 1664, 6 and that he had five children baptized between Sept. 
15, 1658, and Oct. 14, 1666. 1 

1 Valentine's Manual, 1863, p. 561. 5 O'Call. Resj. N. K, p. 130. 

a Abs. of Patents, p. 162. "N. Y. CoLTDoc, iii, 75. 

3 Valentine's Manual, 1863, p. 804. 7 Val. Man., 1863, p. 750. 
< Valentine's Hist, of N. Y, p. 143. 



ix the State of Xew Yore. 5-3 

!?- l l 

Hans Steyn. Licensed, 1652. 
The following record occurs in the Council minutes for Sept. 2, 
1652: 

On the petition of Hans Stern, soliciting permission to keep 
school, — granted. 1 

It appears from an affidavit made Dec. 7, 1638, that he "was, at that 
time, a midshipman, twenty-four years of age. 2 He had a son, Lau- 
rens, baptized Aug. 10, 1652 ; 3 was a deputy jailor, in 1664, residing, 
for a period, in the city hall ; was taxed, in 1665, for the city defences ; 4 
but soon returned to Holland, as appears from an affidavit made in 
Amsterdam in 1666, in which his age is said to be "about forty- 
seven." 5 It will be observed that there is a discrepancy of five years 
in the above two statements, as to the age of Steyn, which is not 
reconciled by reference to the original records. 

Andries Hudde. Applied for a License, Dec. 31, 1654. 
In December, 165-4, this person, as already seen, applied for a 
license to teach school, which application was referred to the minister 
and consistory, but with what result does not appear; though it is 
assumed by Dunshee 6 and others, that it was granted, and that he is 
therefore entitled to be classed among the private schoolmasters of 
New Amsterdam. Hudde was born in Amsterdam, in 1608 ; came 
to this coimtry in 1629, and married Geertruyd Boornstra, widow of 
Hendrick de Foreest. He was a member of the Director's Council 
in 1633, 1636 and 1637 ; provincial secretary, in 163(?) ; commissary 
of stores, in 1637 ; surveyor general, in 1642 ; commissary at Fort 
Nassau, on the Delaware river, in 1645 and 1647; whence he after- 
wards returned to New Amsterdam, and was again surveyor of New 
Netherland, in 1654. In 1657, he returned to the settlements on the 
Delaware, where he held various official positions, from 1655 to 1663. 
During the latter year, while on his way to Maryland, he was seized 
with a fever and died. 7 

Jacobus van Curler. 1658. 
This person was born about the year 1611, as appears by sundry 
" declarations " in the Register of the Provincial Secretary, in which 
the age of the deponent, as usual, was stated. He held various offices 

1 Alb. Rec, vi, 3. Cal. Dutch MSS., p. 126. 5 K Y. Col. Doc, ii, 475. 

2 Alb. Rec, i, 68. "Dunshee, p. 51. 

3 Val. Man., 1863, p. 812. 'Valentine's Manual, 1863, p. 163. 

•Val. Hist, of N. Y.. pp. 85, 316. O'Call. Reg. N. N. (See Index) 



54 Annals of Public Educatiok 

in the colony, from 1633 to 1662. In 1658, as already seen, lie 
attempted to teach without a license, and having subsequently applied 
for permission, was peremptorily refused upon what seem to have 
been technical grounds (see p. 20). 

The following marriage refers to the subject of this sketch : 
Aug. 4, 1652. Jacob Coorlaar ; from Nieuercke. 

Lysbeth van Hoogvelt, from Aernham. 1 

Jan Lubbertsen. 1658. 2 
Marriage record : 

June 7, 1659. Jan Lubbertsen, from Edam. 

Magdalena Theuris, from Yoorsthuysen. 8 
Baptisms : 

Eight children, from Dec. 29, 1660, to Aug. 25, 1683. 4 

Jan Juriaense Becker. Licensed, Aug. 16, 16G0. 
The earliest mention of Becker which we have seen, is under date 
of August 24, 1656, at which time, as clerk of the church at Fort 
Casimir on the South (Delaware) river, he petitioned for a salary, 
which was granted. 5 In January, 1660, William Beeckman, writing 
from Altoona to Stuyvesant, states that Jan Jurianse Becker reads 
the sermons on Sundays. 6 It appears from his petition, already 
quoted, for a license to teach, that he was at that time keeping tavern, 
and we find that he had then been convicted of selling liquor to the 
Indians, and fined five hundred guilders for the offence. 7 He, how- 
ever, applied for a pardon, which was promptly granted 8 on the 
ground that this was a common practice, as shown by the affidavit of 
other parties. Re seems finally to have removed to Albany, and to 
have been an alderman in 1690-1692. 9 

Frans Claessen. 1000. 

Mr. Valentine says : 

" In 1660, Frans Claessen kept a private school in this city. He 
died in 1662." 10 

We find his name, however, on the list of inhabitants taxed for the 
city defences, in 1665. 11 His child, Tymon, was baptized, September 
26^ 165Y. 12 

1 Valentine's Manual, 1861, p. 645. b Alb. Rec, xxiv, 192. 

2 O'Call. Reg. N. N., p. 131. 9 N. Y. Col. Doc, iii, 771, 772, 773; iv, 

3 Val. Man., 1861, p. 649. 941. 

4 Val. Man., 1868, p. 792. 10 Val. Man., 1863, p. 565. 

5 Cal. Dutch MSS., p. 173. « Val. Hist, of N. Y., p. 316. 

6 Cal. Dutch MSS, p. 340. 12 Val. Man, 1863, p. 751. 

7 Cal. Dutch MSS, pp. 209, 210. 



iisi the State of New York. 55 

Johannes van Geldek. Licensed, Sept. 21, 1662. 

Marriage record : 

May 19, 1686. Johannes Yan Gelder and Aefje Boos, beth of 
N. York. 1 

Baptisms : 

Five children, between Feb. 20, 1687, and Nov. 17, 1695. 2 

From the foregoing view of educational affairs during the Dutch 
colonial period, we infer that the existing system and condition of 
education in this State is not th e growth merely of the present or of 
the last preceding century, but that it owes its origin, in part, to the 
character, customs and policy of our ancestors of New Netherland, 
whose influence in the formation of social and State institutions by 
no means ceased when the sceptre of authority was formally trans- 
ferred to other hands. Viewed in this light, these " Annals of Edu- 
cation in New Netherland " are to be regarded not as antiquities 
of obsolete importance, but rather as constituting the first chapter in 
the history of the system of public education established in this 
State. 

1 Val. Man., 1861, p. 666. 4 Val. Man.. 1863, p. 823. 



CHAPTER II. 



SECOND PERIOD. 

PUBLIC EDUCATION IN THE COLONY OP NEW YOEK. 

FAJRT I. 

FROM THE CAPITULATION BY THE DUTCH, TO THE FIRST 'LEGISLATIVE ACT FOR 
FOUNDING A COLLEGE. 1664-1746. 

The establishment of English supremacy in New Netherland seems 
to have occasioned, as one of its incidental fruits, the promulgation, 
by Governor Nicolls, of an exclusive license to one John Shutte, to 
teach an English school at Albany, then a rude frontier settlement, 
though long since and now the capital of the State. It adds interest 
to this brief and unpretending document, which, however, more than 
almost any other of that era, embodies and declares a settled policy 
in regard to educational affairs, adopted, we may suppose, from the 
conquered Dutch themselves, — to find it also entitled, by chronolo- 
gical precedence, to the first place among our gleanings for the period 
under consideration. This warrant for the exercise of a " little brief 
authority " in the pedagogue's vocation, having served its original 
purpose, has lain dormant in the archives of the State almost or quite 
two centuries, and might not have been hitherto brought to light, 
had not an enterprising local annalist (Mr. Munsell) recently trans- 
ferred it to the printed page from which, as well as from the original 
record, we are enabled to quote : 

The Governor's license, granted unto John Shutte, for teaching of 

the English tongue at Albany. 

Whereas, the teaching of the English tongue is necessary in this 
government ; I have, therefore, thought fitt to give license to John 
Shutte to be the English Schoolmaster at Albany ; And, upon con- 
dition that the said John Shutte shall not demand any more wages 
from each Schollar than is given by the Dutch to their Dutch School- 
masters, I have further granted to the said John Shutte that hee shall 
bee the onely English Schoolmaster at Albany. 

Given under my hand, at Fort James in New York, the 12th day 
of October, 1665.* 

EICH'D NICOLLS. 

1 Munsell's Annals of Albany, iv, 16 ; Orders, Warrants and Letters (MS.), in office 
of Secretary of State, ii, 17. 



58 Annals of Public Education 

Our next quotation, of five years' later date, is from the records of 
the succeeding administration of Governor Lovelace, and is almost 
identical with the foregoing as to subject-matter, being also a license 
to teach at Albany. 

An order for Jan Jurians Bleecker [Beecker, or Becker] to be 

schoolmaster at Albany. 

Whereas, Jan Jeurians Beecker had a Graunt to keep y e Dutch 
' school at Albany for y e teaching of youth to read & to wryte y e 
which was allowed of and confirmed to him by my predecessor Coll. 
Richard Nicolls Notwithstanding which severall others not so capa- 
j ble do undertake y e like some particular tymes <fc seasons of y e yeare 
when they have no other Imployment, where by y e Schollars remov- 
ing from oneSchoole to another do not onely give a great disconrage- 
. ment to y e maister who makes it his businesse all y e yeare but also are 
hindred ifc become y e more backwards in there learning nor y e reasons 
aforesaid I have thought fitt that y e said Jan Jurians' Beecker who is 
esteemed very capable that way shall be y e allowed schoolmaster for 
y e instructing of y e youth at Albany & partes adjacent he following 
y e said Imployment Constantly & 'diligently & that no other be 
admitted to interrupt him It' being to be presumed that y e said 
Beecker for y e youth and Jacob Joosteii who is allowed of' for y e 
teaching f y e younger children are sufficient for that place. 

Given under my hand at tfort James in New Yorke this 16th day 
of May. 1670. 1 

Mr. Henry Onderdonk, Jr., has furnished the following items from 
the official records of the town of Hempstead, Queens county : 

1669. Houlding [Houldsworth ?] (first name not recorded), 

schoolmaster, bought 3 quires white paper at 4-s. 6d. in Flushing. 

1670. — Peter Johnson scholr occurs in the Hempstead Records. 

1670. May 1. — Richard Gildersleeve is hired to be drummer for one 
year at 25s. in corn, and town clerk at 40s. In case the expected 
schoolmaster comes and is made town clerk, then Gildersleeve is to 
be paid for the time he serveth. 

Richard Charlton, schoolmaster, came in July. 

Governor Lovelace seems, in one instance at least, to have approved 
himself as an " exactor of righteousness," on the principle that " the 
laborer is worthy of his hire, 7 ' the documentary evidence whereof is 
as follows : 

An Ord. made on behalf of M r . Charlton for getting in his money 
from y e Towne of Hempstead, for teaching School there. 
Whereas. I am given to understand that y e major part of yo r 
Towne did, at a Publick Meeting Contract w tt Richard Charlton to 

'Munsell's Annals, iv, 15; Court of Assize Rsc, ii, 536. 

"Might not xclml stand for schciasiicus, schoolmaster"? Another addition to his 
name is " cordwainer." (H. O., Jr.) 



in the State of New York. 59 

keep a Schoole to Instruct y e Children & Youth there to write and 
read, the w ch hee hath performed for the whole time of y e Contract, 
jet diverse of the Towne, although they have received the Benefitt 
thereof, doe refuse or too long delay the Payment contracted for; 
These are to require you to cause speedy Payment to bee made unto 
him, according to your Contract, that Persons of that Calling bee not 
discouraged, otherwise hee will have good Remedy against you at 
Law to your greater Charge and Disparagement Given under my 
Hand at ffort James, in New Yorke this 21th day of March 1671. 

FRAN: LOVELACE. 
To if Justices of the Peace, Constable, d: Overseers at Hempstead. 1 

During the temporary re-occupancy of the government of the 
province by the Dutch, under Governor Colve, in 1673, an ordinance 
was promulgated, from which the following extracts are taken : 

ORDINANCE 

"Of the Governor General and Council of New Netherland, explaining 
the Duties and Powers of the Sellout and Schepens of Midwout, 
Amesfoort, Breuckelen, New Utrecht, Gravesend and Bushwyck. 
Passed 1 October, 1673. 

[N. Y. Col. MSS., xxiii, S3.] 

Art. 1. The Sheriff and Magistrates shall, each in his quality, take 
care that the Reformed Christian Religion be maintained in con- 
formity to the Synod of Dordrecht, without permitting any other 
Sects attempting any thing contrary thereto. 

***** * 

9. The Sheriff and Schepens shall have power to conclude on 
some ordinances for the welfare and peace of the inhabitants of their 
district, such as laying Highways, setting off lauds and gardens, and 
in like manner, what appertains to agriculture, observance of the 
Sabbath, erecting Churches, School-houses, or similar public works. 

Item, against fighting and wrestling, and such petty offenses, pro- 
vided such Ordinances are not contrary, but as far as possible, con- 
formable to the Laws of our Fatherland and the Statutes of this 
Province; and, therefore, all orders of any importance shall, before 
publication, be presented to the Chief Magistrate, and his approval 
thereof requested. 2 

Note. — Similar Instruction was sent to Flushing, Hemsted, Mid- 
dleburgh, Jamaica, Oysterbay, Southampton, Southold, Seatalcot, 
Huntington and East Hampton, on L. I., to Swanenburg, Hurley & 
Marbletoton, in the Esopus; to Elizabethtown, Woodbridge, Shrews- 
bury. Newarke, Bergen, Piscattaway and Middletown, behind Achter 
Cul ; and to Staten Island and Westchester. 3 

1 General Entries (MS.) in office of Sec'y of State, iv, 117; see also a memorandum 
in Onderdonk's L. I., and N. Y.. (Scrap-books in State Library), i, 102. 

a , 3 0'Calla»;li:m's Laws of New Netherland, 476-480 ; N. Y. Doc. Hist, i, 42G, 
427(4°ed): 655-658(8 ed.) 



60 Annals of Public Education 

It does not appear, so far as we have seen, that any disagreement, 
in regard to school matters, arose between the general and local 
authorities, under the above ordinance or otherwise, except in the 
town of Bergen (K J.), which was then considered a part of New 
Netherland. On this point, the following records speak for them- 
selves : 
At a Council holden in Fort Win. Hendrick the 24th December, 1673. 

Present — Anthony Colve, Governor-General. 
Cornells Steenwyck, Councillor. 
****** 

The Schout and Magistrates of the town of Bergen requesting that 
the inhabitants of all the settlements dependent on them, of what 
religious persuasion soever they may be, shall be bound to pay their 
share towards the support of the Precentor and Schoolmaster, &c, 
which being taken into consideration by the Governor and Council, 

It is ordered : 

That all the said inhabitants, without any exception, shall, pursuant 
to the resolution of the Magistrates of the town of Bergen, dated 
jgth x ber , 1672, and subsequent confirmation, pay their share for the 
support of said Precentor and Schoolmaster. 1 

* * * * 

It might be inferred from the last paragraph above, were other 
evidences of the fact wanting, that the change of administration from 
the Dutch to the English, and vice versa, for a brief period in 1673, 
did not materially disturb or interfere with local officers and their 
official duties. 

At a Council, holden in Fort Willeim Hendrick, this 24 th May, 
1674. 
Present — [as on Dec. 24, 1673, and] 

Secretary Xicholaes Bavard, assumed Councillor. 

* * * * 

The Schout and Magistrates of the town of Bergen, complaining 
by petition, that some of the inhabitants of their dependent hamlets, 
in disparagement of the previous order of the Governor-General and 
Council, dated the 24 X ber last, obstinately refuse to pay their quota 
to the support of the Precentor and Schoolmaster. 

Ordered : 

The Governor-General and Council persist in their previous man- 
date of the 24 th X ber last and order the Schout to proceed to imme- 
diate execution against all unwilling debtors. 2 

* * * * 

At a Council held in Fort "Willem Hendrick, 15 th June, 1674. 
Present — [as on May 24, 1674, and] 

Fiscal "Willem Knyff, as assumed Councillor. 

* * * * 

1 N. Y. Col. Doc, ii. 672i a N. Y. Col. Doc. ii. 714 



in the State of New York. 01 

On petition of Lorn-ens Andries, and Joost van der Linde, agents 
for the inhabitants of Mingagque and Pemrepogh, requesting to be 
excused from contributing to the support of the schoolmaster at 
Bergen, &e. 

Ordered : 

Copy hereof to be furnished the Magistrates of the town of Bergen 
to answer the same. 1 

* * # * 

At a Court held in Fort Willem Hendrick, on the 5 th of July, 
1674. 

Present— [as on May 24, 1674], 

* * * * 

The Governor and Council of New ISTetherland, having seen the 
complaint of the town of Bergen against the inhabitants of the vil- 
lages of Pemrepogh, Mingagquy, &c, and the answer given by them, 
in" regard to what the inhabitants of Pemrepogh and Mingagquy 
aforesaid, owe for the support of the Schoolmaster, and precentor of 
the town of Bergen, it is after due inquiry resolved and ordered, that 
the inhabitants of Pemrepogh and Mingagquy, shall promptly pay 
their share for the support aforesaid, on pain of proceeding against 
them with immediate execution. 2 

* * * # 

The foregoing action on the part of the Governor and Council 
seems to have fully settled and confirmed the policy of the Dutch 
administration in regard to free public schools supported solely by 
taxation, and which, but for the re-conquest by the English, might, 
perhaps, have continued without interruption to this day. 

It seems from the next quotation that chivalrous martial exercises 
received some attention in the young metropolis at this early period : 

By the Governor. 

Whereas, application [part of MS. destroyed] . . . me, I 

do consent . . . p l Thomas Smith to admitt and teach any 

Gentlemen or other ffree Men the use or Exercise of Armes, for 
which to meet at any fitt times and Places within this City, without 
any Lett or Molestation: Comporting themselves as they ought. 
Given under my Hand in New York this 18th day of December, 
1675. 

To all Magistrates, Officers, or others whom it may Concern? 

The zeal of certain constables of Long Island for the mental and 
moral welfare of the people, as exhibited in the annexed petition, 
may be commended as worthy of imitation by police officers and 
magistrates of the present day : 

1 N. Y. Col. Doc, ii, 720. :i N. Y. Col. MSS., xxv, 68. 

s N. Y. Col. Doc, ii, 730. 



62 Annals of Public Education 

To y e Eight Hono rabl Edmond Androus Esq 1- . Governor Gen 11 of all 
his Roy all Highnes Territory in America & the Wo pp f nil his Maj ties 
Justices of y e Board sitting in thy Honorable Court of Assizes this 
4 th of (W, 1677. 

The humble Desire of y e Constables of y e East & North Rideing on 
Long Island : 

To yo r Hono r & Wo pp most humbly Showeth it is Theire Desire : 
That the maintenance and Encouragem* for y e Ministry may by 

some way bee established & that such Encouragem* may bee that 

theire may bee A Minister in each respective Towne that wants. 

That theire may also bee some way established for the Maintenance 

of A. Schoolle-Ma r in each Towne. 1 



Professor Jonathan Pearson, of Union College, translator and 
editor of the " Early Records of the -City and County of Albany, and 
Colony of Rensselaerswyck (1656-1675)," has kindly funished several 
items, as follows : 

On the 4 th of April, 1676, Gerrit Swartt, Jan Becker and Arien 
Appel were chosen Schoolmasters of Albany ; they were then to be 
the sole Schoolmasters of the Village ; but shortly after, the same 
year, Luykas Gerritse [Wyngaard] was also appointed Schoolmaster 
because he was impotent in his hand? 

(1.) Gerrit Swartt was appointed Sellout fiscal or sheriff of Rensse- 
laerswyck in 1652. He was succeeded by Captain Salisbury in 1670. 3 

(2.) Jan Jurriaense Becker [of whom a brief biographical sketch 
has already been given in our " Annals " of New Netherland, 
ante p. 54] was an inhabitant of Greenbush opposite Beverwyck, in 
1663 ; afterwards notary public and schoolmaster at Beverwyck, and 
" esteemed very capable that way, whilst Jacob Jooste Covelens was 
allowed for y e teaching of y e younger children." He made his will 
the 3 d of Aug., 1694, in which lie speaks of son Johannes and 
daughter Martina (wife of Willem Hogan), who was made adminis- 
tratrix of his estate Dec. 16 th , 1697. 

(3.) Adriaen or [Arien] Janse Appel came from Leyden : in 1654, 
he received a patent for a lot at Beverwyck, on condition that the 
house to be erected thereon be not an ordinary tippling house, but an 
Inn for travellers; in 1656, he sued Marcelis Janse for the loss of an 
anker of brandy by drawing it with violence through the streets ; 
from 1676-86, he was one of the four schoolmasters of Albany. 

He resided for a time at New Amsterdam. He had two sons, 
Johannes and Willem, who at different times resided at Schenectady, 
Albany and New York ; at the former place they were both wounded 
by the French and Indians in their attack upon the village, Feb. 9 th , 
1690. 

1 N. Y. Col. MSS., xxvi, 122. 3 O'Callaghan's Hist. N. Netherland, ii, 184. 

■ Albany City Magistrates' Proceedings (MS.), vol. i, in City Clerk's office. 



in tee State of New York. G3 

(4.) Luykas Gerritse [Wingaard] was by trade a baker, and in 1715 
occupied the south corner of Broadway and State street. His wife 
was Anna Janse Yan Hoesen. They had five sons and one daughter. 
He made his will Oct. 30 th , 1709. 

We have been indebted to Rev. Dr. Strong's " History of Flatbush" 
for a few items relating to the Dutch period; and we now quote at 
greater length from the same valuable little work, showing the cus- 
toms of the olden time in regard to schools and schoolmasters : 

From the records of the town [Flatbush], it appears that the 
schoolmaster acted as Town Clerk, and as the rates of tuition 
were low, previously to the American revolution, the offices of 
sexton and " Foresinger," or chorister of the church, were 
conferred upon him with a view to increase his emoluments. He 
received all interment fees for infants and adults, according to a 
scale of established prices, and for his services as chorister, he was 
paid an annual salary by the consistory of the church. The choris- 
ter, in addition to his duty of taking the lead in setting and singing 
the Psalms and Hymns, was also required to ring the bell for all pub- 
lic services, to read the commandments at the commencement of the 
morning worship, and the Apostles' creed in the afternoon. These 
latter services were all performed in the Dutch language, and uni- 
formly continued so until about the year 1790, at the time when Mr. 
Gabriel Ellison, the first English schoolmaster, left the village. 

The following is a list of the schoolmasters of the town of Flatbush, 
from the year 1659 to the year 1802, when the village school was 
removed into the Academy : 

Adrian Hegeman from 1659 to 1671 

Jacop Joosten. " 1671 " 1673 

Francays De Burvnne [Bruynne] " 1673 " 1674 

Michael Hainelle" ' « 1674 " 1675 

Jan Gerrit Van Marckje [Marcken] " 1675 " 'l680 

Derick Storm " 1680 " 1681 

Jan Tiebout " 1681 " 16S2 

Johannes Yan Eckkellen " 1682 " 1700 

Johannes Schenck " 1700 " 1711 

Jan Gancell " 1711 " 1719 

Adrian Hegeman " 1719. " 1741 

Jores Remsen " 1741 " 1762 

Petrus Yan Steenburgh " 1762 " 1773 

Anthony Welp " 1773 " 1776 

-Gabriel 'Ellison " 1776 " 1790 

John Rubeil " 1790- " 1793 

Michael Schoonmaker " 1793* " 1798 

Patrick Dillon " 1798 " 

Patrick Noon " " 1802 1 

1 Strong's Hist, of Flatbush, p. 100 et seq. 



64 Annals of Public Education 

It appears, as already shown in connection with the Dutch period, 
that one Reinier was schoolmaster in 1661 1 ; and we also find that a 
patent for 1426 acres of land, in Flatbush, was granted March 21> 
1677, to sundry persons, thirty-five in number, among whom was 
" Rem Remse, the schoolmaster for the time being, in his official 
capacity.'"' These two names, therefore, seem also entitled to a place 
in the foregoing list of schoolmasters of Flatbush. 

Hon. Teunis G. Bergen, of Bay Ridge, Kings county, has favored 
us with the following statements in regard to some of the persons 
mentioned in Dr. Strong's list : 

Admen IJegeman, the first schoolmaster of Flatbush [of whom a 
biographical sketch is given in the " Annals " of the Dutch period, 
p. 49], was also, from" 1670 to 1671, vendue master of the Dutch 
towns of Kings county. . . . liegeman's descendants are as yet 
numerous in Flatbush, and Kings county. 

Francays d'Bruynne, schoolmaster prior to his settlement in Flat- 
bush. owned Antony Jansen van Salee's patent of 100 morgen on 
the extreme west end ot' Lung Island, lying partly in Xew Utrecht 
and partly in Gravesend. 

Michil Hainelle, schoolmaster, owned a farm (as well as being a 
schoolmaster). 

Jan Gerritsen Van Marcken, schoolmaster, finally quarrelled with 
the church authorities and was dismissed. (Have somewhere among 
my papers considerable relating to this quarrel.) 

Schoolmasters Dirck Storm, Johannes Van Ekelen and Johannes 
Sehenk's facsimiles <>t* signature accompany this. From the facsimiles 
you will see that Strong errs in the spelling of names, The spellings 
I have given above are the correct ones. 

* * * * * * 

" Know of no male descendants of De Bruynne, Hainelle, Van 
Marcken, Van Ekelen or De Baene, in Kings county. Storm, Schenk 
(now generally spelled Schenck), and De Beavois, of Brooklyn, have 
numerous descendants in the county." 

* * * * * # 

Know of no manuscript records on the subject except those you 
have referred to. 

****** 
Dr. Strong's narrative continues : 

Specific and very particular agreements were made with the seve- 
ral schoolmasters, which are entered at large upon the town records. 
It may be interesting to present one or "two of these, to show the 
duties which these persons formerly were required to perform, ami 
the manner in which they were to instruct the children. The fol- 

1 Albany Records, xix, 95. 

'Book of Patents (MS.), in office of Secretary of State, iv, 105. 



in the State of New York. G5 

lowing is a translation of the agreement made with Johannes Van 
Eckkelen, who commenced his duties as schoolmaster, in Flatbush, in 
the year 16S2 : 

" Johannes Yan Eckkelen, a young man from New Albany, is 
hereby called and accepted, on the first day of October, 1681, with 
the advice and consent of the Honorable Magistrates, to perform the 
duties heretofore required of Jan Thibaud, in manner following: 
(1.) He shall serve the Church and School, according to the existing 
ordinances, in the same manner as they have been heretofore per- 
formed by the above named Jan Thibaud, and as hereunder written. 
(2.) This contract shall take effect from the first day of October, Inst., 
and continue to the first day of May next, for the purpose of making 
a trial of each other in the meantime. (3.) For the performance of 
the above duties, he shall be entitled to receive the sum of 23-1 guild- 
ers, in grain, valued in Seewant, with the other privileges appertain- 
ing to the calling during the time specified." 

AKTICLES OF AGREEMENT 



Johannes Van Eckkelen, 

Accepted Schoolmaster and Chorister of Flatbush. 

School Service. — I. The school shall begin at eight o'clock, and go 
out at eleven ; and in the afternoon shall begin at one o'clock and 
end at four. The bell shall be rung when the school commences. 1 

II. When the school begins, one of the children shall read the 
morning prayer, as it stands in the catechism, and close with the 
prayer before dinner ; in the afternoon it shall begin with the prayer 
after dinner, and end with the evening prayer. The evening school 
shall begin with the Lord's prayer, and close by singing a psalm. 

III. He shall instruct the children on every Wednesday and Satur- 
day in the common prayers, and the questions and answers in the 
catechism, to enable them to repeat them the better on Sunday before 
the afternon service, or on Monday, when they shall be catechised 
before the congregation. Upon all such occasions, the schoolmaster 
shall be present, and shall require the children to be friendly in their 
appearance, and encourage them to answer freely and distinctly. 

IV. He shall be required to keep his school nine months in succes- 
sion, from September to June, in each year, in case it should be con- 
cluded upon to retain his services for a year or more, or without 
limitation ; and he shall be required to be regulated by these articles, 
and to perform the same duties which his predecessor, Jan Thibaud, 
above named, was required to perform. In every particular therefore, 
he shall be required to keep school, according to this seven months 
agreement, and shall always be present himself. 

1 The bell used on these occasions was the church bell. The practice of ringing 
this bell at the opening of the school continued till the year 1794, when the second 
church was taken down. The church bell was also used by the Academy for nearly 
• ten years. (Dr. Strong.) 

5 



(J6 Annals of Public Education 

Church Service. — I. He shall keep the church clean, and ring the 
bell three times before the people assemble to attend the preaching 
and catechism! Also before the sermon is commenced, he shall read 
a chapter out of the Holy Scriptures, and that between the second 
and third ringing of the bell. After the third ringing he shall read 
the ten commandments, and the twelve articles of our faith, and then 
take the. lead in singing. In the afternoon after the third ringing of 
the bell, he shall read a short chapter, or one of the Psalms of David, 
ms the congregation are assembling, and before divine service com- 
mences, shall introduce it, by the singing of a Psalm or Hylmn. 

II. When the minister shall preach at Brooklin or New Utrecht, he 
shall be required to read twice before the congregation, from the 
book commonly used for that purpose. In the afternoon he shall 
also read a sermon on the explanation of the catechism, according to 
the usage and practice approved by the minister. The children as 
usual, shall recite their questions and answers out of the catechism, 
on Sunday, and he shall instruct them therein. He, as chorister, shall 
not be required to perform these duties, whenever divine service shall 
be performed in Flatlands, as it would be unsuitable, and prevent 
many from attending there. 

III. For the administration of Holy Baptism, he shall provide a 
basin with water, for which he shall be entitled to receive from the 
parents, or witnesses, twelve styvers. He shall, at the expense of 
the church, provide bread and wine, for the celebration of the Holy 
Supper ; He shall be in duty bound promptly to furnish the minister 
with the name of the child to be baptized, and with the names of 
the parents and witnesses. And he shall also serve as messenger for 
the consistory. 

IV. He shall give the funeral invitations, dig the grave ; and toll 
the bell, for which service he shall receive for a person of fifteen 
years and upward, twelve guilders, and for one under that age, eight 
guilders. If he should be required to give invitations beyond the 
limits of the town, he shall be entitled to three additional guilders, 
for the invitation of every other town, and if he should be required 
to cross the river, and go to New York, he shall receive four guilders. 

School Money. — He shall receive from those who attend the day 
school, for a speller or reader, three guilders a quarter, and for a 
writer, four guilders. From those who attend evening school, for a 
speller or reader, four guilders, and for a Writer, six guilders shall be 
given. 

Salary. — In addition to the above, his salary shall consist of four 
hundred guilders, in grain, valued in Seewant, to be delivered at 
Brooklyn Ferry, and for his services from October to May, as above 
stated, a sum of two hundred and thirty -four guilders, in the same 
kind, with the dwelling house, barn, pasture lot and meadows, to the 
school appertaining. The same to take effect from the first day of 
October, Instant. 

Done and agreed upon in Consistory, under the inspection of the 
Honorable Constable and Overseers, the 8th of October, 1682. 



rx tits State of New York. 67 

CONSTABLE AND OVERSEERS. THE CONSISTORY. 

CORNELIUS BERRIAN. CASPARUS VAN ZUREN, Minister. 

RYNIER AERTSEN. ADRIAEN REYERSE. 

JAN REMSEN. CORNELIUS BARENT VANDWYCK. 

I agree to the above articles, and promise to perform them to the 
best of my ability. 

JOHANNES VAN ECKKELEN. 

Mr. Henry Onderdonk, Jr., has furnished a newspaper copy of an 
agreement with J#n Tiebout, similar to but not identical with Yan 
Eckelen's. He adds : " It has a misprint that I can't decipher. I 
have underscored the line : fore-noon house rule" 

Articles of Agreement with Jan Thobald or Tibout, employed 
Schoolmaster and Reader for Flatbush, made on the 18th Dec, 
1681. 

Relating to the School. 

1. The school to begin at 8 o'clock and be dismissed at 11 in the 
a. m. ; at 1 o'clock and dismissed at 4 in the p. m. The bell to be 
rung \>y the Teacher at the opening of the school. 

2. On the opening of the school in the a. m., one of the children 
to read the morning prayer as contained in the catechism, and at its 
closing the prayer before eating ; at the opening in the p. m., the 
prayer after eating, and [at] its closing the evening prayer. The even- 
ing school to begin with the Lord's prayer and to close with one of the 
psalms of David. 

3. He shall require the children in the evenings to learn the ordi- 
nary prayers, together with the catechism, and on Wednesdays and 
Saturdays hear their recitations of the same ; also on Sundays prior 
to the p. m. service, so that they may be prepared to recite on Mon- 
days before the congregation, at which recitation he is to be present. 
He must conduct himself orderly and soberly, and have patience with 
the children, to the end that he may learn them as in duty bound. 

Relating to Church Service. 

1st. He shall keep the church clean, and ring the bell three times 
to bring the congregation together for preaching or chatecising 
on Sundays before service, to read a chapter in the Bible between the 
second and third ringing ; after the third ringing to read the ten 
commandments and the twelve articles of faith ; and to lead in all 
the singing. In the afternoon, after the third ringing, to read a 
short chapter out of the Psalms of David, while the congregation are 
gathering together, so as to have them enter with a Christian song. 

2nd. "When the ministers turn is to preach at Brooklyn or New 
Utrecht, he will be held to read twice ; the books to be used to be in 
accordance with the forenoon house rule ; the preaching over, the 
chatechism to be attended to in the afternoon, the children to be 
gathered together and to answer from the Sunday lesson ; he will be 

1 Strong's Hist, of Flatbush, pp. 110-114. 



68 Annals of Public Education 

excused from the aboye service when the preaching is at Flatlands, 
for then it will be unnecessary. 

3. lie shall invite the people to funerals, dig the grave, and ring 
the bell, for which he shall be entitled to 12 guilders for persons of 15 
years old and upwards, and 8 guilders for those under. When called 
to act outside his town on Long Island, to be entitled to three guild- 
ers in addition ; and when acting in New York or across the river 4 
guilders. 

Mr. Onderdonk's newspaper article further states : 

Tibout was a successor of Jan Gerritsz Van Marken, the latter 
being one of the early schoolmasters of Flatbush, and readers of the 
4 Dutch towns, whose salary was 350 guilders. Gerritsz was dis- 
charged for slandering Van Zuuren the Minister, for frequenting the 
tavern and neglecting the Church orders. 

The yearly compensation of Tibout, the schoolmaster and reader, 
was 400 guilders, zeewands value, in corn, delivered at the ferry in 
Brooklyn ; he was also entitled to the use of the dwelling house pro- 
vided for the teacher, about an acre of tillable land, a pasture field 
and salt meadow lot belonging to the school. 

The price of tuition was fixed at 3 guilders a quarter in the day 
school, for reading and spelling ; including writing, 4 guilders ; in 
the evening school, for reading and spelling, 4 guilders; including 
writing, 6 guilders. A guilder is 40 cents. 

"We are likewise indebted to Mr. Onderdonk for the following 
extracts from the account book of Jno. Bowne, of Flushing : 



School Bills. 

1680 -ffr. Reckoned with Hugh and Elizabeth Cowperth- 
waite and then left due about work [by him] 
and schooling [by her] £1 1 



168^ |f. Reckoned with Elizabeth Cowperthwaite about 
schooling and diet for children & rests due 

her £0 17 6 

More since for schooling 12 

£19 6 



1683. Martha Johanna did begin school on a new acct, y, upon 

an agreement for 30 weeks for schooling and what else, 
which is paid for by a red petticoat 1 , bought of Jn° 
Broke. 

1 Money (coin or paper) was little used, but barter took its place. 



in the State of New York. 69 

1692 r 4 T . Jn° Arcut [Arsocot ?], Cr. 

By my promise for one year schooling] £1 1 

By some writing done for me 10 

For John, his last schooling, 4 months 6 2 

For William's children 12 

For John, one quarter 4 6 

£2 13 8 

1693 -'/-• Wm. Eichardson's estate, Dr. 

Paid to Jn° Urqnhart for the 3 boys school- 
ing at 5s. each £0 15 

By four weeks' diet for the 2 oldest sons, Wm. 
and Thomas, and for John, 7 weeks, at 2s. 
6d 1 17 6 

More for schooling to Urquhart 8 9 

The following memoranda were also furnished by Mr. Onderdonk : 

1685. Goody Davis keeps school at Jamaica, in Jn° Rodes' little 
house which is to be removed for a shop. 

Rachel Spencer taught school at Hempstead, died 1687. 
1695. Isaac Selover was schoolmaster and foresinger at Flatlands. 

The " Rachel Spencer " above mentioned seems to have been the 
first schoolmistress on record in the province. 

It having been repeatedly observed, in the annals of the Dutch 
period, that all private schoolmasters were required to be duly 
licensed by the civil and ecclesiastical authorities, we have occasion 
now to remark that this requirement, in substance, was continued 
and enforced by the English ; Governor Dongan, and at least three 
of his successors, having been regularly instructed on this point, in 
connection with other subjects. We quote as follows : 

Instructions to Governor Dongan. Given at Windsor May 29 th , 

1686. 

* * * * # * 

38. And wee doe further direct that noe Schoolmaster bee hence- 
forth permitted to come from England & to keep school within Our 
Province of New York without the license of the said Archbishop of 
Canterbury ; And that noe other person now there or that shall come 
from other parts, bee admitted to keep school without your license 
first had. 1 

* * * #■ * * 

Similar instructions were given to Governor Sloughter, Jan. 31, 
1689, 2 to the Earl of Bellomont, Aug. 31, 1697, 3 and to Governor 
Hunter, Dec. 27th, 1709, 4 except that the Bishop of London, instead 

' N. Y. Col. Doc, iii, 372. s N. Y. Col. Doc, iv, 288. 

2 N. Y. Col. Doc, iii, 688. 4 N. Y. Col. Doc, v, 135. 



70 Annals of Public Education 

of the Archbishop of Canterbury, was named in each of these 
cases. 

In regard to this subject, Mr. Henry Onderdonk, Jr., has advised as 
that " the licensing of schoolmasters originated in a law of Parlia- 
ment, in England, who feared Popish priests ( and Jesuits might 
assume the^guise of teachers to disseminate their principles more 
insidiously among unsuspecting pupils." 

The " law of Parliament " thus referred to, seems to be that desig- 
nated as 13 and 14 Car. II, c. 4, entitled "An act for the Uniformity 
of public Prayers, and Administration of Sacraments, and other 
Eites and Ceremonies ; and for establishing the Form of making, 
ordaining, and consecrating Bishops, Priests, and Deacons, in the 
Church of England.''' 1 Section VIII of this act provides : 

* * Every School-Master keeping any public or private school, 
and every Person instructing or teaching any Youth in any House or 
private Family as a Tutor or School-master, who upon the first Day 
of May which shall be in the Year of our Lord God One thousand 
six hundred sixty-two, or at any Time thereafter, shall be Incumbent 
or have Possession of any . . . School, or shall instruct or teach 
any Youth as Tutor or School-master, shall . . . subscribe the 
Declaration or Acknowledgment following, scilicet : 

IX. [I, A. i?., do declare. That it is not lawful upon any Pretence 
whatsoever to take Arms against the King ; and that I do abhor that 
traitorous Position of taking Arms by His Authority against His 
Person, or against those that are commission ated by him].; and that 
I will conform to the Liturgy of the Church of England, as it is now 
by Law established : And Ida declare, That I do hold there lies no 
Obligation upon me or on any other Person, from the Oath com- 
monly called The Solemn League and Covenant, to endeavour any 
Change or Alteration of Government either in Church or State; and 
that the same was in itself an unlawful Oath, and imposed upon the 
Subjects of this Realm against the known Laws and Liberties of this 
Kingdom. 



XI. And if any School-master, or other Person, instructing or teach- 
ing Youth in any private House or Family as a Tutor or School-mas- 
ter, shall instruct or teach any Y T outh as a Tutor or School-master 
before Licence obtained from his respective Archbishop, Bishop or 
Ordinary of the Diocese, according to the Laws and Statutes of this 
Realm (for which he shall pay twelve Pence only) and before such 
Subscription and Acknowledgment made as aforesaid ; then every 
such School-master and other, instructing and teaching as aforesaid, 
shall for the first Offence suffer three Months Imprisonment without 
Bail or Mainprize ; and for every second and other such Offence, shall 

Note.— The part included in brackets was abolished by 1 W. & M., sess. 1, c. 8, § 11. 



in tee State of New York. 71 

suffer three Months Imprisonment without Bail or Mainprize, and 
also forfeit to His Majesty the Sum of five Pounds : * 

The act 19 Geo. Ill, c. 44, modified the provisions of the forego- 
ing statute in favor of Protestant dissenters, as follows : 

II. * * No Dissenting Minister, nor any other Protestant dis- 
senting from the Church of England, who shall take the aforesaid 
Oaths, and make and subscribe the above mentioned Declaration 
against Popery, and the Declaration hereinbefore mentioned, shall be 
prosecuted in any Court whatsoever, for teaching and instructing 
Youth as a Tutor or Schoolmaster, any Law or Statute to the con- 
trary notwithstanding. 



The subject of education, like many other matters of vital import- 
ance to the welfare of the people, is scarcely noticed by some 
standard historians. We had confidently expected that Smith's cele- 
brated " History of the late province of New York, from its Dis- 
covery to the appointment of Governor Colden in 1762," would 
contain frequent allusions which would be of service in the present 
narrative ; but thus far, we find only an incidental mention of the 
establishment of a Latin school, in the following paragraph : 
* * * * * * 

[1688.] — While these things were transacting in Canada, a scene of 
the greatest importance was opening at New York. A general dis- 
affection to the government prevailed among the people. Papists 
began to settle in the colony under the smiles of the governor [Don- 
gan]. The collector of the revenues, and several principal officers, 
threw off the mask, and openly avowed their attachment to the doc- 
trines of Rome. A Latin school was set up, and the teacher strongly 
suspected for a Jesuit. 1 

***** * 

With reference to this Latin school, we find the following addi- 
tional particulars brought to light by the researches of Mr. John M. 
Shea : 



Father Henry Harrison, S. J., was in N. York in 1685, and 
returned to Ireland in 1690, and in Maryland in 1697. Father 
Charles Gage, S. J., was also employed there in 1686 and 7. It is 
very possible that these two last named may have been sent by Don- 
gan to carry out his promise, and that one of them may have opened 
the very suspicious Latin school, which Smith surmises was kept by 
a Jesuit. 2 

1 Smith's Hist, of N. Y. (N. Y. Hist. Soc, Ed., 1829), i., 90. 
2 N. Y. Doc. Hist., iii, 73 (4°ed.); 110 (8°ed.). 



72 Annals of Public Education 

We find no further mention of this school, except in a letter dated 
April 13, 1699, from the Earl of Bellomont, then governor of the 
province, to the Lords of Trade, to wit : 

* * * * # # 

Mr. Attorney Generall assures me that in Colonel Dongan's time, 
he, to make his court to King James desired this Farm, . . . the 
Governor's demesne called the King's farm, . . . might be appro- 
priated to the maintenance of a Jesuit school ; but King James (bigot 
tho' he was) refused, saying that he would not have his Governors 
deprived of their conveniences. 1 

According to Dr. Strong, 2 Johannes Van Eckelen [Ekelen] officia- 
ted as schoolmaster from 1682 to 1700, though it appears, from the 
annexed documents, that his license was revoked in 1691, in favor of 
Johannes Schenck [Schenk], whom Dr. Strong considers Van 
Eckelen's successor from the year 1700 to 1711. Whether the order 
of the council was not carried into effect, or whether the above 
nan ied author is in error in regard to these dates, does not appear. 

To the honor ble Major Richard Ingoldsby, Comander in chief of their 

Majesties Province of New York., &c. 
The humble Request of Rodolphus Varick, minister, and Joseph 

liegeman, elder of the dutch Church in flatbush, 

Humbly showeth: 

That in the late Rebellion Joannes Van Eckelen the then clerk and 
schoolmaster of flatbush hath always bin a very great zealot for the 
faction of Leisler &c, as may appear to y r hon r y'self having taken 
letters out of his pocket at the citty hall which he was carrying to 
Leisler into the fort, and was very active in raising men in the 
country to withstand their majesties forces. 

Especially the afores d Joanes Van Eckelen hath bin alwayes oppo- 
sing the minister and church councel in their endeavors for support- 
ing the Government for the Crown of England and inticing people 
to the party of Leisler contrary to all their admonitions, publicly 
defaming the afores 11 minister, setting the common people against 
him, offering his service to drag him out of his house by violence, to 
a pretended court as also procuring the aprehension and fining of the 
afores' 1 elder for above thirty pounds because he endeavored to have 
hi ndred their committing hostilities on the English towns on long 
Island. 

Upon thes considerations and others to long to rehearse, besides 
other complaints as to his service in the afors d office, the church 
councel did dismisse the afores d Joanes van Ekelen and did forbid 
him more to officiate, but choose in his place one Joannes Schenck a 
fitter person and wel affected to the present government, 

Now y r petition 1-8 give y 1 ' honour to understand that s d Joanes van 
Ekelen hath clandestinely and without any of their knowledge pro- 

1 N. Y. Col. Doc, iv., 490 a Hist, of Flatbush, p. 100. 



in the State of New York. 73 

cured a licence from y r honour, whereby he again sets up bchool in 
defyance of their church and accustomed priviledges, refusing to 
obey the civil power but dayly affronting them whereby he drawes 
many of the late faction to his side to the manifest Scandal of their 
majesties present government and since it hath never bin accustomed 
to have two Schoolmasters in that small town heretofore y r petition 1,8 
humbly pray y r honor that s d Joanes van Ekelen may be forbid farther 
to teach school in flatbush and that y r honour would please to 
authorize Joanes Schenck to be the onely schoolmaster there, for the 
reasons above s d , and y r petition 1-8 shall ever pray for y r hon rs health 
and happinesse. 

JOSEPH HEGEMAN, Elder. RODOLPHUS VAEICK. 1 

The foregoing petition bears no date, but was submitted to the 
council Sept. 26, 1691, as appears from the following minute. The 
petition is indorsed "granted" with which the council minute 

agrees : 

At a council held at ffort William Henry the 26th of September, 
1691. 

Present, [ * * etc.,] 

* * * -x- * * 

Upon Reading the Petition of Rodolphns Varick & Others, setting 
forth their want of an honest schoolmaster Recommending Johannes 
Schenck as a person qualifyed & fitt for that Office in fflatbush 
Ordered that sd Schenck be admitted the only schoolmaster of fflat- 
bush any former ord r or warrant to any oy r2 person whatsoever not- 
withstanding. 3 

***** * 

Mr. Bergen, from whom we have already quoted, further states : 

The first schoolmaster in New Utrecht of whom I have seen any 
account, is Joost De Baene. 

After Gov. Leisler's Execution, Domine Varick and Jacques Cor- 
tleyou petitioned the Governor to have Joost De Baene retained as 
teacher in New Utrecht ; Myndert Coerten having threatened to turn 
him out of his place as schoolmaster and Reader or Prelector, because 
he would not side with the Leisler party. Coerten's adherents finally 
compelled De Baene to leave the place. From De Baene's serving 
as clerk of the town from 1686 to 1698, it may fairly be inferred that 
he taught the school during that period, and perhaps a short time 
longer. Have seen no account of De Baene's successors. 

The petition above referred to, of which the following is a copy, 
is preserved among the manuscripts in the office of the Secretary of 

I N. Y. Col. MSS., xxxviii, 4. 

a A curious abreviation for " other," which is explained by the fact that h was 
formerly written somewhat like the lower part of long s ; so that th, as in " other " 
came to be written (by omitting to cross the t and other contractions) veiy nearly 
like y. 

II Council Minutes (MS., in office of Scc'y of State), vi, 55. 



74 Annals of Public Education 

State. It bears no date, but was laid before the Council July 16, 
1692. 

To the Eight Honn ble Maj r Richard Ingoldsbey Esq r ., Command 1 in 

Chief of the Province of N. Torke, and the honn ble Councell. 
The humble Petition of Jaques Cortlejouir Justice of the peace and 

Rudolphus Yarick minister of the Gospel in Kings County, 

Humble Shewith 

That in the time of the Late disorders within y e Province one 
Meyndert Coerten lately attainted of high Treason was marching with 
some ill men from New Utregt towards the fort ag st the Kings forces, 
under your honn 8 Command who then did threaten Joost De Baane 
y e Schoolmaster & reader of said towne to tume him out of that 
Imploy because he refused to side with them in theire Rebellion, and 
although the said Justice and minister since that time have endea- 
vored to hinder the same yet neverthelesse some of those ill affected 
persons without any cause given, but in contempt of the authority, 
have forced the said Joost de Baane to forsake the place, altho y e land 
out of which the Schoolmaster and Reader of y e Towne is maintained, 
was given to the Towne, by the said Justice, out of his proper estate. 

Wherefore the Petit™ have thought it their Duty to become hum- 
ble Suppliants in the behalfe of y e Said Joost de Baane, hmnble offer- 
ing to your honn rs that it would tend much to y e peace & quiet of the 
said Towne that your honn rs would be pleased to order, that y e Said 
Joost d Baane be continued in the said Imploy as Schoolmaster & 
Reader of the said Towne, and that he be allowed his Salary as for- 
merly from the 14th of aprill last, Since which time he was Causeles 
turned out. 

And your Petit 18 shall Ever Pray. 1 

The record of the action of the Council is as follows : 

At a Council held at ffort William Henry the 16th of July 1692, 

****** 

Vpon reading of the Petition of Jaquis Cortilian [Corteljon] and 
Rodolphus Varick on behalf of Joost De Bane [Baene] schoolmaster 
of New Utrecht in Ks County, 

Resolved That A Lysence be granted unto the said Joost De Bane 
to be schoolmaster of New Ytrecht, and that he is intituled to and Ought 
to receive the salary belonging to the Reader and school Master of 
sd Towne from the 14th of Aprill last and the Justices be wrote to 
and required to suffer none other to Officiate in the quality of a 
schoolmaster in the sd Toune without a Lycense from the Govern- 
ment nor in the quality of Reader but by the appointment of the 
Minister. 2 

****** 

We are. indebted to Wm. S. Pelletreau, Esq., of Southampton, L. I., 
for the following statement : 

1 N. Y. Col. MSS., xxxviii, 154. - Council Minutes (MS.), vi, 111. 



in the State of New York. 75 

1694. Mr. John Moubray was engaged to teach a school from the 
1st day of May till the 1st of November for 12 shillings per scholar. 
He had 22 pupils. From that time there appears to have been a 
school more or less regular until the present time. 1 

The records of this town [Southampton, L. I.] are the most perfect 
of any in the State, and well repay examination. 

Thus far, the licenses to teach school have uniformly been issued 
by the authority of the Colonial officers ; but we now find one 
granted by municipal authority, as early as January, 1700, at the 

present capital of the State: 

# * * * * * 

Att a meeting of y e Mayor, Aldermen and Common Council held in 
y e Citty Hall of Albany, y e 23d of January 1^- 
The request of Cornells Bogardus by y e mouth of Mr. Will m de 
Meyer to be admitted a schoolmaster for y e Citty is taken into con- 
sideration and unanimously doe graunt y e same, as also a freeman of 
this Citty upon his arrival!. 2 

During the same year (1700), Governor Bellomont proposed to 
have some of the Indian children instructed at the public expense, as 
appears from the annexed records : 

Conference of the Earl of Bellomont with the Indians, at Albany, 
August 29, 1700. 

# ■* * # * * 

The Earl of Belomont says upon the reply of the Five Nations 
yesterday to his Lordship's propositions the day before, as follows : 

In answer to your desire of a Minister here in Albany, to instruct 
you in the Christian religion, I am not only willing but glad to 
gratify you therein, and I will engage Mr. Lydius the Minister of 
this town to take paines with you and learn your language that he 
may be the better able to serve you in the work of the gospell, and I 
hope in a little time to have the Bible translated into your language 
and to have some of your children taught to read, so that you may 
have the comfort and edification of God's Word, which I am sure 
will be hugely pleasing to you when your children are able to read it 
to you. ^Tow that I am upon this subject, I wish you would send 
two or three Sachems sonns out of each Nation to be kept at School 
at New York where I will take care to have them taught to write 
and read both English and Indian, and they shall be well clothed and 
dyeted at the King's charge and after three or four yeares that they 
are perfect in their writing & reading they shall return home to you 
and other boyes shall come in their places ; by which meanes you will 
always have those among you that will understand English and will 
be serviceable to you upon many occasions. 3 

# ■* * # * * 

1 See, also, Howell's Hist, of Southampton, p. 141. 

2 Munsell's Annals, iv, 106. 3 N. Y. Col. Doc, iv, 734. 



76 Annals of Public Education 

The following partial replies were given by Sadeganaktie, the 
speaker at the next day's conference : 

* * * * * * 

As to that head relating to our children's being instructed to reade 
and write English and Indian at New York, the Sachems that are 
now on the hill are consulting about it, and wee will when wee are 
all conveen'd together, return your Lordship our answer. 1 
****** 

After a while a Message being come from the Hill from the other 
Sachems of the Five Nations, and the Speaker sayd as follows : 

* * * * * * 

As to our children to be sent to New York to bee instructed to 
read and write, wee answer that wee are not masters or disposers of 
them ; that is a matter that relates to our wives, who are the sole dis- 
posers of their children while they are under age. 2 

We have not observed any record as to the manner in which the 
above proposition was received by the Indian women, or whether it 
was actually communicated to them. 

The earliest legislative act in behalf of education passed within the 
colony of New York, if we mistake not, is that entitled " An Act 
for Encouragement of a Grammar Free-School in the City of New 
York," bearing date Nov. 27, 1702. This act expired seven years 
later, by its own limitation, and having thus become obsolete before 
any of the extant collections of laws were printed, only its title 
appears in such standard compilations as Livingston and Smith's. 3 
Indeed, we have failed to find a printed copy in the State Library or 
elsewhere, and have been obliged to make our transcript from the 
original copy of the act, as filed in the office of the Secretary of 
State. The same remark applies to the several subsequent acts 
passed prior to 1750. 

An Act for encouragement of A Grammar Free-School in the City 
of New York. 

The Mayor, Aldermen and Comonalty of the City of New York 
having Represented unto the General Assembly of this Province the 
great Necessity there is of having a Free-School in the said City, for 
the Educacon and Instruction of youth and male Children ; That 
such Pious and Necessary work may receive clue encouragement, Be 
it Enacted by his Excellency the Governov.r and Council and Repre- 
sentatwes Convened in General Assembly, and by Authority of the 
Same, that there shall be hereafter Elected, Chosen, Ly censed, 

1 N. Y. Col. Doc, iv, 737. 3 See chap, cxx, p. 51. 

"N. Y. Col. Doc., iv, 738. 



in the State of New York. 77 

Authorized, and appointed one able Skilfull and Orthodox person to 
be School-Master ; for the Education and Instruction of youth and 
Male Children of such Parents as are of ffrench and Dutch 'Extrac- 
tion, as well as of the English, may come and be Instructed in the 
Languages or other Learning usually taught in Grammar Schools, And 
for the Encouragement of such School-Master, Be it further Enacted 
by the Authority aforesaid, That henceforward Annually there shall 
be in the said City Assessed, Levyed, Collected and paid for the 
space or term of seven years, the Sum of ffifty pounds Current money 
of New York for the mainteinance of the said School-Master, which 
said Sum of ffifty pounds shall be Assessed, Levyed, Collected and 
paid by such persons, at such times, in such Manner and proportions, 
and under such penaltyes Respectively as is provided for the Assess- 
ing, Levying, Collecting and paying of the Sum of one hundred pounds 
j>. ann. for the Minister of New York, by an Act of Assembly 
Intitutled, an Act for Settling a Ministry, and Raising a Maintei- 
nance for them in the City of New York, County of Richmond, West 
Chester and Queens County, made in the fourth Year of King Wil- 
liam and Queen Mary, ^Provided always, That such School-Master 
shall, from time to time, as a Vacancy happens » be Chosen and 
Recomended by the Comon Council of the said City for the time 
being in order to be Lycensed and approved by the Right Honble 
the Bishop of London or the Governor or Comander in Chief of this 
province for the time being any thing herein Contained to the con- 
trary thereof in any ways notwithstanding. 

City of New York, Die Jovis, 2h. P. M., ^ Nov., 1702 In 

the first year of her Matys Reign. 
House of Representatives for the Province of New York. 
This Bill having been read three times, Resolved 

This Bill do passe. 
Py order of the House of Representatives, 

W. NICOLL Speaker 
27th November, 1702 

This Bill having been read three times is passed the Councill. 
By order of Councill, 
27th November 1702 B. COZENS C of Councill 

I assent to this Bill Enacting it and ordering it to be enrolled 

CORNBURY 
[Endorsed] Die Jovis -& Nov r 1702 

This Bill having been read three times Is passed and Ordered 
to be sent up to the Council for their concurrence. 

GAB L. LUDLOW Jr. CI 

to ye Gener. Assembly. 

The official history of the passage of the foregoing act, as derived 
from the Journals of the General Assembly and the Council, is 
deemed worthy of insertion in this place, as furnishing valuable 
information relative to the men and the measures of that period, in con- 



78 ANNALS OF PUBLIC EDUCATION 

nection with the subject under consideration. In further justification 
of these quotations (if any be needed), we adopt the language of the 
Preface to the Assembly Journal itself, to wit : 

Although the Votes and Proceedings of the General Assembly of 
this Colony, may perhaps appear to some, as Matter of little Moment ; 
the same were nevertheless regarded by the General Assembly, as a 
thing of so much Consequence, that by a Resolution of the Honse on 
the Eighth day of January, One Thousand Seven Hundred and 
Sixty-two, they empowered me to get them reprinted. 

****** 

ABRAHAM LOTT Jun r . 
New York, September 1, 1764. 

We may add that this set of Journals covers a period of about 
seventy-five years, beginning with 1691, and makes two large folio 
volumes, which were printed by Hugh Gaine ; also, that two volumes 
of about the same size, containing the Journals of the Legislative 
Council, for nearly the same period, were printed as lately as 1861, 
by order of the Senate of this State. Certain deficiencies in the 
Assembly Journals have been restored only within a few years, after 
much pains-taking on the part of Mr. George H. Moore, Librarian 
of the New York Historical Society, from whom the State Library 
has acquired a manuscript copy, through the Regents of the Uni- 
versity. These volumes of Journals are a mine of information on all 
matters connected with the legislation of the Colony, and it cannot 
be amiss to bring to light, now and then, passages on special subjects, 
which might not otherwise be seen by one in a thousand of the 
people of this State. Besides, for historical purposes, the series of 
agencies and events which culminate in the passage of an act, is 
sometimes of greater interest and importance than the act itself; 
just as, to borrow an illustration from Coleridge, " the history of a 
word may be more instructive than that of a campaign." 



In Governor Cornbury's Address to the General Assembly of the 
Province of New York at the opening of the Session, at Jamaica, 
Queens county, on the 20th day of Oct., 1702, he remarks : 

There are some other Things, I think it my Duty to recommend 
you, particularly " the preparing a good Bill, for the better reglating 
the Militia of this Province, another for the erecting of public schools 
in proper Places, another for appointing a convenient Number of fit 
Persons, to examine and state the publick Accounts and Debts of 
this Province ; " — 

to which recommendations he adds : 

* .* " these and all other Bills, which shall appear to be necessary 



in the State of New Yore. 79 

to be passed Into Acts, for the good of this Country, and for the 
Preservation and Encouragement of the people, shall always find a 
ready Compliance from me." 

The foregoing subjects were taken up, from time to time, by the 
General Assembly, that of defense being first, finance second, and 
education third, in the order of their consideration, though the last 
was reached within ten days of the opening of the session. The 
first record, as to action on this subject, is in the following terms : 

Die Veneris, 1 8 ho. A. M. Oct. 30, 1702. 

A motion being made, and the Question being put, whether there 
should be erected a publick Free-School. It was carried in the 
Affirmative. 

Ordered, That Major Jackson, 2 do acquaint the Town of Hamp- 
stead, that a publick Free-School is designed to be erected, and to 
inquire of them, what Encouragement they will allow towards the 
same, within the Bounds of that Township ; and that he make Eeport 
thereof to the House Friday next. 

•35- * * * * * 

Die Veneris, 8 ho. A. M. Nov. 6, 1702. 
****** 

Major Jackson, according to Order, reported from the Township 
of Hampstead, at a general Town Meeting, for Encouragement of a 
Free-School, to be erected in the Township, they do grant 100 Acres 
of Land, with Conveniences of "Watering near the East Meadow 
Point, and also allow Liberty for Timber for Building, Fencing and 
Firewood, with other Conveniences, to be had within the Township, 
according to a Town Act ; to build a Free-School on the said 100 
Acres of Land. 

****** 

Die Mortis, 3 ho. P. M. Nov. 10, 1702. 
****** 

A Motion being made, and the Question being put, That the City 
and County of New Yo?'k, have Leave to bring in a Bill, to raise 
Fifty Pounds per Annum, for a Free-School, and it was carried in 
the Affirmative. 

1 As this ancient method of indicating the day of the week has become nearly or 
quite obsolete in this country, though still used in the British Parliament, wo 

append the Latin equivalents of the English names : 

Sunday Die Solis. 

Monday Die Lunm. 

Tuesday Die Martis. 

Wednesday Dm Mercurij {ij=ii). 

Thursday Die Jovis. 

Friday Die Veneris. 

Saturday Die Sabatii. 

2 John Jackson, a representative from Queens county. 



80 Annals of Public Education 

Ordered, That Mr. French and Mr. Be Zancey, 1 do prepare and 
bring in a Bill accordingly. 

****** 

Die Sabatii, 8 ho. A. M. Nov. 14, 1702. 
Mr. French, presented to the House a Bill, entitled, An Act to 
enable the Mayor, Alderman and Commonalty of the City of New- 
York to raise Fifty Pounds per Annum, for seven Years, towards 
maintaining a School Master, within the said City of New York. 
Ordered, The Bill be read. 

A Bill entitled, An Act [etc., as above], was read the first time. 
Ordered, That the Bill be read the second Time. 

****** 

Die Mortis, 8 ho. A M. Nov. 17, 1702. 
[At New York City, by adjournment from Jamaica.] 
****** 

The Bill entitled, An Act to enable the Mayor [etc., as above], was 
read the second Time. 

Ordered, The Bill be committed to Mr French, Mr. Cortlandt? 
Capt Carton 3 Mr. Abeel 4 and Major Whitehead, 5 or any Three of them. 
****** 

Die Jovis, 8 ho. A. M. Nov. 19, 1702. 
****** 

Mr. French, reported from the Committee, to whom the Bill, enti- 
tled, An Act for Fncotiragement of an English Free-School, in the 
City of New York, was committed, That they had considered the 
same, and made some amendments ; which they had directed him to 
report to the House, which was read and agreed to by the House. 
Ordered, The Bill be engrossed with the amendments. 

****** 

Die Jovis, 2 ho.Y. M. Nov. 19, 1702. 
The Bill, entitled, An Act [etc., as last above quoted], was read the 
third time, 

Resolved, The Bill do pass. 

Ordered, Mr. French and Major Whitehead, do carry up the Bill 
to the Council, for their concurrence. 

****** 
At a Councill held at ffort W m Henry, this 19' A day of November, 

1702. 
Present — His Excellency, Edwakd Viscount Cornbury, &c, 

Sa : Sii : Brouhton, ) Caleb Heathcote, Esq r 

Gerrard Beekman, \ Esq rs John Bridges, Do r of Laws. 
Rip Van Dam, 



1 Philip French and Stephen De Lancey, both representatives from the city and 
county of New York. 

2 Jacobus Cortlandt, of New York. 4 John Abeel, of Albany. 

,J Thomas Garton, of Ulster. ' Daniel Whitehead, of Queens. 



in the State of New York. 81 

His Excellency layd before this board a Bill for Encouragement of 
a Grammar Free Schooll in the City of New York which was Dd to 
him by members of the house of Representatives appointed to do the 
same which was read the first and second time and comitted to the 
members of this board or any three of them. 



On the next day, the same members being present, with the excep- 
tion of Mr. Beekman, and the addition of W m Smith : — 

Coll W m Smith Chairman of the Committee of the Councill to 
whom the Bill for Encouragement of a Grammar Free Schooll 
in the City of New York was Comitted by this board for Report 
does humbly offer to his Excellency that upon perusall of that 
part of his Excellencies Instructions relating to School masters within 
this Colony In the words following : That no School master be per- 
mitted to come from England and to keep a school within this pro- 
vince without the License of the Right Reverend ffather in God, 
Henry Lord Bishop of London and that no person now there or that 
shall come from other parts be admitted to keep Schooll without your 
Lycense first obteined We are humbly of opinion that his Excel- 
lency ought not to passe the said Bill otherwise than is directed by 
that Clause of his Excellencies Instruction and that it be Recom- 
mended to the house of Representatives to make such amendments in 
the said Bill as is agreeable thereunto And 

Ordered, that Coll Hathcote do carry the same. 

****** 

[In General Assembly.] 

Die Mortis, 2 ho. P. M. Nov. 24, 1702. • 

A Message from his Excellency and Council, by Col. Heathcote, 
with the Bill, entitled, An Act [etc., as above.] 

That his Excellency ought not to pass the said Bill, otherwise than 
is directed by his Instructions, and that it be recommended to the 
House of Representatives, to make such Amendments to the said 
Bill, agreeable thereto. 

After some Debate on the Message, the House ordered Mr. French 
and Mr. Willet, 1 to return the said Bill to the Council, and acquaint 
his Excellency, That the House had sent the Bill, for settling a Free 
School, &c. to the Council, and that they may reject or amend the 
Bill and send it down with the Amendments, and the House will 
forthwith take the same into Consideration, and dispatch that and 
other Matters, now before the House. 

****** 

At a Cowicill, [etc.] Nov. 24 th , 1702. 
Coll W m Smith Chairman of the Committee of the Councill to 
whom the Bill for encouragement of a Grammar Free Schooll in the 
City of New York was Recomitteddoes report to this honoble board. 

William Willet of Westchestec 
6 



82 Annals of Public Education 

That all be left out after the words [Queen Mary] in the tenth line 
of the second Sheet and instead thereof the following provisoe to he 
Inserted — Provided allwayes that such Schooll master if Chosen from 
England then to be Licensed by the Right Reverend ffather in God 
the Lord Bishop of London and approved -of by the Gov 1- or Coman- 
der in Chief of this province for the time being and in case any fitt 
person shall be here found for the discharge of that duty as well a6 
upon any Vacancy that may hereafter happen upon the death absence 
or disability of such Schooll master that then and in such case the 
Comon Councill of the City of New York for the time being shall 
and may Recomend to the Gov r or Comander in Chief of this pro- 
vince for the time being such fitt person qualified as is aforesaid for 
License and approbation Which is allwayes to be had and obteined 
before such School master be Instituted to the Sallary aforesaid any 
thing herein conteined to the Contrary thereof in any wise notwith- 
standing. 

Which Report being read and approved of The said Bill together 
with the said amendments being read the third time is passed the 
Councill and ordered to be sent down to the house of Representa- 
tives for their Concurrence to the sd amend 1 and M r Attorney Gene- 
ral ordered to carry the same Which was done. 



[Jn General Assembly.'] 
Die Mercurij, 8 ho. A. M. Nov. 25,1702. 



, A Message from the Council, by Mr. Attorney General. That the 
Council have agreed to the Bill, entitled [as above] with some 
Amendments, to which they desire the Concurrence of this House, 

Resolved, A Conference be desired with the Council, upon the 
Amendments of the said Bill. 

Ordered, That Mr. French do go to the Council, and desire the 
said Conference. 



At a Councill [etc. on the same day] 
* * •* •* * * 

Phillip ffrench Esq 1 * from the house of Representatives desires a 
Conferrence with the Councill upon the amendments of the Bill for 
Incouragement of a Grammar Free Schooll, &c. 

The Gentl of the Councill did agree to the sd Conferrence, and 
order that Coll W m Smith, Sampson Shelton Brougton Esq 1- and 
Coll Caleb Heathcote do manage the same and that they meet the 
Comittee of the house of Representatives in order thereunto this 
afternoon between three and four of the Clock at the house of the sd 
M r ffrench. 



in the State of New York. 83 

\In General Assembly.'] 

Die Mercury, 2 ho. P. M. Nov. 25, 1702. 

A Message from the Council, acquainting this House, that they had 
appointed a Conference at Four of the Clock this Afternoon, at the 
House of Mr. Philip French. 

To which the House agreed. 

Ordered, That Mr. French, Capt. Coddrinaton, 1 Col. Howell? Capt. 
Garton, Mr. De Lancey, and Major Whitehead, be, and are hereby 
appointed by this House, to meet the Committee of Council, to 
manage the conference on the subject Matter of that Message. 



Die Jovis, 2 ho. P. M. Nov. 26, 1702. 
* * * * 

Mr. French reported from the Committee of this House, appointed 
to be Managers of the Conference with the Committee of Council, 
That they had met the Committee of Council, and concluded on the 
Bill entitled, [as above] ; the Amendment to which being read, was 
agreed to by the House. 



Ordered, That Mr. De Lancey, do carry up to the Council, the 
Bill for the Encouragement of an English Free-School, in the City 
of New York, and the Bill for regulating of Slaves, and acquaint 
them, this House had agreed to the Amendments to each Bill. 



At a Council [etc. on the same day]. 

Coll W m Smith Chairman of the Comittee of the Councill 
appointed to meet a Comittee of the house of Representatives on 
the amendment to the Bill for Incouragm* of a Grammar Free Schooll 
&c does report to his Excellency in Councill that the sd Comittee 
have mett and have agreed to the amendment to the said Bill as fol- 
io weth vizt : That Instead of the last provisoe made by the Council 
as an amendm* to the sd Bill these following words be Inserted 
[ Provided allwayes that such Schoollmaster shall from time to time 
as a vacancy happens .be Chosen and Recomended by the Comon 
Councill of the said City for the time being in order to be Licensed 
and approved by the Right honoble the Bishopp of London for the 
time being or the Governor or Comander in Chief of this province 
for the time being any thing herein Conteined to the Contrary thereof 
in any ways notwithstanding.] 

Which was approved of and 

Ordered, that the same be sent down to the house of Representa- 
tives for their Concurrence to the sd Amendm* & that Rip van Dam 
Esq do carry the same. 

* * * * 

1 Thomas Coddrragton, of New York. 2 Matthew Howell, of Suffolk. 



84 Annals of Public Education 

At a Council!, [etc.], this 27 th 9 ber 1702. 

* * * * 

Ordered, the Clerk of the Council do acquaint the House of Repre- 
sentatives, to attend his Excellency in Council at Fort "William Henry, 
immediately. 

Accordingly the Speaker, with the House, attended his Excellency 
in Council, where his Excellency was pleased to give his Assent to 
the several Bills following, viz : 

* * * * 

An Act for encouragement of a Grammar Free School in the City 
of New York. 

* * * * 

Referring to the general legislation of the session and to the special 
act under consideration, Lord Cornbury wrote to the Lords of Trade, 
in December of the same year : 

* * * * 

The general Assembly of this Colony met ... on the 20 of 
October last at Jamaica, and sat there till the 14 of November on 
which day I did at the request of the House, adjourn them to New 
York to meet there on the 16 of November (the sickness God be 
praised quite over) there they continued their Sessions till the 27 of 
November during which time they passed several Bills in number 
fifteen of which I send your Lordships Transcripts under the Seale 
of this Colony for your approbation and hope the Queen will be 
pleased to approve of them. 

* * * * * * 
The 11 th for a free school I hope wants no recommendation. 1 

* * * * * * 

The following is a transcript of the Common Council Records of 
the City of New York, for 1702, so far as they relate to the school 
proposed to be established under the foregoing legislative act of that 
year: 

p., . n ) Att a Common Council held att the Citty Hall of 

^itty ot i gg ^ tlie gaid Cit . on ^ onday tliaiSldasjoOiecera- 
New Yorke f ber AnnQ B * m im * -"^-"-^ 

Present — Philip French Esq 1- Mayor 

Samson Shelton Broughton Esq r Recorder 
Jacobus V : Cortlandt 
John Corbett - \ Esq" Aldermen 

William Smith 
Jeremiah Tothil 

Caleb Cooper ^ I Assistants 

Bartholomew Laroux f Asfelstants 
Jan Hendrickse Brevort J 
***** 

1 N. Y. Col. Doc, iv. 1004. 



in the State of New York. 85 

Whereas there is an act of Generall Assembly of this Province 
entituled an act for encouragement of a Grammar Free School in the 
Citty of New Yorke. And Whereas this Court are of Opinion that 
att this time, the,re is not any person within this Citty (with whose 
Conveniency it would be agreeable) proper and duely qualified to 
take upon him the office of School Master of the said Citty but think 
it nessessary that the want thereof be Recommended to the Right 
Hon Me the Bishop of London to send over hither a person of good 
learning of pious life and vertuous Conversation of English Extract 
and of good and mild temper to be the said school master and in 
Order thereunto itt is hereby Resolved nemine contra dicente that 
this court doe Petition his Excellency the Lord Cornbury to Recom- 
mend this affair in the name of this Corporation to his Lordship the 
Bishop of London and that his Excellency will also be pleased to 
Recommend the further Encouragement of the said free school to the 
society for propagating the Gospel in foreign parts and likewise to 
her Most Sacred Majesty that her Majesty will be most graciously 
pleased to appropriate a parte of the farme commonly called the 
Kings farme lying within this Citty for the further encouragement 
of the said free school that M r Recorder doe draw the said Petition 
and that M r Mayor doe sign the same accordingly by Order of this 
Court. 1 



p., , .• > Att a Common Council held att the Citty Hall of 

■xr Yo *ke ( ss ' ^ e sa ^ ^ty on ^ r yd a y the 15 th day of J.anu^ 

1 ' ary Anno Dom 1702 

Present — [the same as Dec. 23, 1702, except Caleb Cooper 

and Jan Hendrickse Brevort, and in addition Law 

rence Reade, Alderman, and Robert Lurting, 

Assistant.] 

The following address to his Excellency was read and approved and 
Ordered the same be signed by this Court and presented to his Excel- 
lency and that the same be Recorded 

To His Excellency Edward Viscount Cornbury Cap 1 Gen" and Gov" 
ernour in Chiefe of the Province of New Yorke and all the 
Territories and Tracts of Land depending thereon in America 
and vice admiral of the same &c : 

The Humble Address of the Mayor Alderman and Com- 
monalty of the Citty of New Yorke in Common Council 
assembled, 

Most Humbly Sheweth : 

That the last session of the General Assembly of this Province 
your Excellency having been pleased to give your assent to the passing 
an act whereby this Corporation is Impowered to nominate and pre- 
sent to your Excellency for your approbation a fitt and able person to 
teach a publick free school within this Citty and to raise Moneys 

1 Minutes of the N. Y. Common Council (MSS.), ii, 517. 



86 Annals of Public Education 

towards the Maintainance of such person, wee are become very solici- 
tous which ways to apply our selves for the finding out one truly 
qualified for that trust and duty much doubting that neither these 
nor the neighboring countrys can supply us therewith to whose con- 
veniency the same may be agreeable. 

Wherefore that so good a worke may not suffer by delay nor fail of 
its desired end Wee the said Mayor Aiderman & Commonalty become 
most humble Supplicants to your Excellency that you would be 
pleased to help on the structure whose foundation you have already 
laid in Eepresenting our Want of a School Master with all the diffi- 
cult Circumstances thereof to the Right Reverend and no less 
Honourable my Lord of London and in Requesting his fatherly Care 
& Concern for us therein and by his Lordships means that of the 
Society for propagating the Gospell in foreign parts in Order to our 
being supplyd from thence with a person of good learning pious life 
and vertuous Conversation of English Extract and mild temper to be 
our said School Master and that your Excellency would be further 
pleased to Recommend our affair and design of a free school aforesaid 
unto her Majesties grace and favour and in our behalfe, most humbly 
beseech her Majesty that some parte of the farme commonly called 
the Kings farme within the Liberties of this Citty may be appropri- 
ated for the farther and better Support and Maintainance of the said 
School and School Master. 

And wee your Excellencys most humble Supplicants aforesaid shall 
ever pray, &c : * 

* * * * 

We find no record of the actual establishment of the school in 
^question, until the year 1704. The Abstract of Proceedings of the 
Society for the Propagation of the Gospel in Foreign Parts, for the 
year 1704, contains the following statement, with evident reference 
to this school : 

A Latin Free school is likewise established at New York, by the 
influence of His Ex. the Lord Cornbury, with 2 others [i. e., schools], 
by which means sound Religion visibly gains ground there. There 
are also Proposals going on for Building, a College on the Queens new 
Farm by subscription. 2 

The foregoing statement in regard to the "Latin Free School, 
. with 2 others," seems to have been derived from certain 
paragraphs in "A summary Account," etc., prepared by Rector Wil- 
liam Yesey, in October, 1701, to wit : 

****** 
His Lordship hath also been highly instrumental in enacting a 
law for establishing a Latin free school, and to endow it with a salary 
of Fifty pound per annum, to which station his Lordship hath pre- 

1 Minutes of the N. Y. Common Council (MSS.), ii, 519, 520. 

2 Soc. for Prop, of Gospel, etc. ; Abs. of Proceedings, 1704-5, p. 26. 



in the State of New York. 87 

ferred the ingenious Mr. George Muirson, who for some time dis- 
charged that function with approbation & success. 

Two other schools are likewise established in this City by his Excel- 
lency's care. 1 



Mr. Muirson was duly licensed to teach, in the following terms : 

Edward Viscount Cornbury Cap* Gen 11 and Govern 1 " in Chief of the 
Province of New Fork New Jersey & of all the Territories and 
tracts of Land depending thereon in America and vice admirall of 
the same &c, 

To M r George Muirson Greeting 
»I do hereby authorize and impower you to keep and teach school 
w th in the Citty of New York, and to instruct all Children w tb whom 
you shall be intrusted in the English Latin and Greek tongues or 
Languages and also in the arts of writing and arithmetick. You are 
therefore carefully and diligently to discharge the Duty of a school- 
master in ye said Citty and you are to receive and enjoy all such 
priviledges and advantages as to the office and place of a Schoolmaster 
doth or may belong whereof the Mayor all her maties Justices of 
y e Peace and other officers w th in the said Citty are hereby required to 
take notice and Govern themselves accordingly Given under my 
hand and Seal att arms att ifort ann in New York this Twenty ffifth 
day of Aprill 1704 

CORNBURY. 
by his Excell cys command 

Geo Clarke D Secy 2 

The Governor also issued a warrant for the payment of Mr. Muir 
son's salary : 

[Seale] By his Excellency Edward Viscount Cornbury[etc] 

You are hereby Directed and required to pay or cause to be paid 
unto Mr. George Muirson School Master of the City of New Yorke 
the Sume of five and Twenty pounds for half a years Sallary Due and 
Ending the second Tuesday in January next for which this shall be 
your Sufficient Warrant. Given under my hand and Seale att ffort 
anne in New York this 20 th of October 1704 

CORNBURY 
To William Peartree Esq r 

Mayor of the City of New Yorke 3 

Early in 1705, Mr. Muirson went to England to receive ordina- 
tion, 4 and Mr. Andrew Clarke was appointed by the Common Council 
as city schoolmaster. The record of his appointment is as follows : 

1 Doc. Hist, of N. Y., iii, 113 (8° ed.) ; 75 (4° ed.) 

2 Deeds (MS.), in office of Secretary of State, x, 5. 

3 N. Y. Col. MSS. , 1, 19. 4 Bolton's Hist, of the Church in West. Co. , 149. 



88 Annals of Public Education 

p., r •> Att a Common Council held att the City Hall of 

-^ * ^y i > ss. the said City on Tuesday the 22 d day of January 

ew 01 ^ ' Aimo Dom° 1705. 

* * * *• 

The petition of Mr Andrew Clarke was read praying to be by this 
Court appointed School Master of this City according to an act of 
General Assembly of this Province entituled an act for Encourage- 
ment of A Grammar free school in the City of New York, which 
Petition being taken into the consideration of this Court and they 
being well satisfyed of the Sobriety Learning and Integrity of the 
said Andrew Clarke doo {nemine contra dicente) hereby nominate and 
appoint the said M r Andrew Clarke school master of this City of New 

York Pursuant to the said act. 1 

* 
* # -x- * * * 

"We fail to find, among the meager files of the corporation for that 
early period, the petition of Mr. Clarke, referred to in the above 
council minute, and there seems to be no further official evidence that 
he actually served under such appointment, except his license to teach, 
dated August 14, 1705, 2 which is the same in form as that granted to 
Mr. Muirson, as quoted above. 

A brief narrative appears in certain historical works, — evidently 
based in the first instance upon the corporation records already quoted, 
and thence adopted as standard by subsequent authors, — which con- 
cludes with the remark that "it was not until 1705 that the school 
was finally established, and Andrew Clarke appointed master." 3 

We regret that this narrative, which entirely overlooks Mr. Muir- 
son's previous employment, does not go on to state where and how 
" the school was established," how long and with what success it con- 
tinued, etc. Possibly these details were regarded as too trivial for 
insertion in the general history of the State, or of the city ; although 
we rather conclude that the sources of information failed at this point. 
The bare appointment of the schoolmaster seems to be the only 
authenticated fact embraced in the narrative above quoted, and the 
establishment of the school appears rather to be assumed from the 
fact of such appointment, than substantiated by any official record. 
We have been unable, on careful search at the New York city hall, 
to find any warrant or order for the payment of Mr. Clarke's salary, 
or any allusion, official or otherwise, to the existence of this school at 
any later period. Under the provision of the statutes bearing upon 
the subject, it was incumbent on the vestrymen of the parish to assess, 

1 Minutes of the Common Council, iii, 69. 2 Deeds, x, 65. 

1 .Mary L. Booth's History of the City of New York, p. 274 ; S. S. Randall's His- 
tory of the State of New York, p. 51. 



in the State of New York. 89 

collect and expend the money required for the support of the school- 
master ; and but for the destruction of the early records of Trinity 
church, 1 we might now be able to determine how long, if at all, Mr. 
Clarke was continued in service. As it is, we are left in doubt 
whether the act of 1702 was directly productive of any further educa- 
tional fruit. 

It is somewhat remarkable that Mr. Clarke's name does not appear 
in a list of city schoolmasters, from 1695 to the Revolution, appended 
to Yalentine's History of the City of New York ; although this can 
hardly be regarded as valid evidence on the subject of his actual 
employment, since the names of other well authenticated schoolmas- 
ters are omitted, and no mention of the schools of the city occurs in 
the body of the work. 2 

The following extract from the Minutes of the Common Council, 
indicates that Mr. Clarke subsequently engaged in the civil service 
of the colony : 

25 th October, 1712. 
M r Andrew Clarke who was lately Elected Constable of the 
South Ward personally Appeared before this Court and Acquainted 
them that he Could not serve in that Office by reason he was 
Imployed by the Receiver General of this Colony in Collecting 
her Majesties quitt Rents, it is therefore Order'd that the said 
Andrew Clarke do pay the fine for his said Refusal and that the 
Mayor Issue his Warrant to the Alderman of the said Ward to Elect 
another fitt person on Tuesday Next to serve in the said Office for 
the year Ensueing. 

Mr. Henry Onderdonk, Jr., says : 

Andrew Clark lived in Jamaica and was Clerk of Common Pleas 
of Queens Co., from 1723 to 1756. 

A Dutch scholmaster seems to have been employed at Kinderhook 
as early as 1702, as appears from the following 

Certificate in favor of Mr. Van Vleck. 

Kinderhook the 30th Novemb. Anno Domine 1702. 
In the first year of the Reign of her Majesty Anne, Queen of Eng- 
land, Scotland, Ireland and France, Defender of the Faith, We the 
undersigned inhabitants of Kinderhook patent acknowledge and 
Declare that Paulus van Yleg during the whole of the time that he 
hath resided here and since he was accepted as Precentor and school- 

1 See the "Act for settling a Ministry," etc., passed Sept. 22, 1693, as referred to 
in the foregoing act of 1702. 

2 We propose to insert Mr. Valentine's list in a subsequent part of our "Annals," 
with such additions as we may be able to make. • 



90 Annals of Public Education 

master of our Church hath truly comported himself to the Great con- 
tent of our congregation. 



YoHANNES VAN AlEN 
GoENRAST BoRGHGHARDT 

Abram van Alstyn 
Zammert van Yansan 1 

A certain Albany schoolmaster has, perhaps, no other memorial of 
service in this capacity, than the following : 

At a Common Councill held in y e Citty Hall of Albany this first of 
May, 1703 

****** 

Evert Kidder of the Citty of Albany makes his humble application 
to the Mayor, Aldermen and Assistance to be permitted to teach 
schoole in the Citty aforesaid, which request is taken into considera- 
tion, and granted accordingly. 2 

About this time (1703-7) several licenses to teach schools, in New 
York city and elsewhere, were granted by his Excellency Lord Corn- 
bury, in addition to those of George Muirson and Andrew Clarke, 
already mentioned. Some of these licenses have been printed within 
a few years, as mementoes of the olden time, but the most of them 
we have found only in the manuscript volumes of Deeds, in the office 
of the Secretary of State, where they were originally recorded. "We 
insert such as were issued prior to 1707, in chronological and consecu- 
tive order : 

Edward Viscount Cornbitry [etc] 

I doe hereby authorize and Impower you Andrew ffoucautt to teach 
an English and ffrench School within the City of New York and to 
instruct all Children where with you shall be intrusted fo[r] y e pur- 
pose in the said Languages, as alsoe in y e art of Writeing Arethme- 
tick &c. You are therefore carefully and Diligently to discharge the 
duty of a Schoolmaster in y e said City, and to receive and enjoy all 
such privilledges and advantages as to the office and Place of a School- 
master cloth and may belong and appertain. Whereof y e Mayor all 
her Maj tles Justices of the Peace and other Officers within the said 
City are hereby required to take notice and Govern themselves accord- 
ingly and for soe doing this shall be your sufficient Warrant. Given 
under my hand and seale att Arms att her Maj tles fort in New York, 
this thirteenth Day of September Anno Dom 1703 

COKNBUEY 3 

1 Doc. Hist, of N. Y., iii, 894 (8" J ed.) ; 539 (4° eel.) 3 Deeds, ix, 736. 

3 Munsell's Annuls, iv, 177. 



in the State of New York. 91 

Edward Viscount Cornbury [etc]. 
To the Worthy M r Elias Neau, 

Greeting Keposing speciall trust and Confidence in your ability 
prudence and Integrity have nominated Constituted and appointed 
and do hereby nominate Constitute and appoint you y e Sd Elias 
Neau to be Catechist in the City of New Yorke and Do hereby give 
and grant unto you full Licence and power to Catechise all Children 
Indians Negroes and Other persons within y e Sd Citty. Given under 
my hand and Seale att ffort Anne in New Yorke this twenty fourth 
day of August 1704 

CORNBURY l 
* * * * 

According to the brief narrative furnished by Jonathan Hasbrouck, 
Esq., of Kerhonkson, respecting early schools in Kingston, Ulster 
county, and quoted in connection with our '"Annals of Education in 
New Netherland," Mr. William Montague (or La Montagne), who 
seems to have been, at various times, secretary of the Esopus, and 
sheriff of Ulster county, was also for a time schoolmaster at Kingston, 
under the English. We have found, however, no earlier official record 
of educational affairs at Kingston than the following license to one 
Stephen Gasheris, a letter from whom, dated July 4, 1715, relative to 
a legal proceeding, is also on file in the office of the Secretary of 
State: 3 

Edward Vise*. Cornbury, G v Vice-Admiral &c, 
To Stephen Gasheris Greeting 
You are hereby Impowered & Lycensed to read y e service of 
y e Dutch Church at Kingstown in y e County of Ulster from time to 
time untill you receive further orders from me, and you are likewise 
hereby Impowered & Lycensed to Keep a writing & reading school 
at Kingstown afores d untill you receive further orders from me to 
y e contrary. Given under my hand at Kingstown this tenth day of 
August in y e third year, &c, annoque, Dom. 1704 3 

Edward Viscount Cornbury [etc]. 
To M r Henry Lindley Greeting, 

I do hereby authorize and impower you to Keep and Teach Schoole 
w th in the Town of Jamaica in Queens County and to Instruct all 
Children w th whom you shall be intrusted in the English and 
Lattin Tongues or Languages and also in the art of Writing and 
Arithmetic for and During my Pleasure Given under my hand and 
Seale att Fort Anne in New Yorke this 18 th day of Aprill 1705 

CORNBURY 
By his Excel 8 Command 
Geo: Clarke Sec ry4 

1 Deeds, x, 27. 'N. Y. Col. MSS, xlix, 165. 

2 N. Y. Col. MSS. , lx, 15. 4 Deeds, x, 48. 



92 Annals of Public Education 

A license in the same form was issued to Mr. Alexander Baird, on 
the 6th day of March, 1706, for the town of Hempstead, in Queens 
county. 1 

Edw d Yiscc 1 Cornbury [etc.] 
To Elias Bon Kepos Greeting, 

You are hereby Impowered & Lycens'd to Keep School within 
y e Town of New Rochel in y e County of West Chester & carefully 
& diligently to Instruct y e Children under yo r Care & Tuition in 
y e art of Reading & Writing during my pleasure. Given under my 
hand & Seal at New York this 23 d day of June 1705 & in y e 4th 
year of her Ma tys Reign. 

CORNBURY. 
By his Excell. Command, 

Will Anderson D. Se cry . 3 

This license was renewed by Governor Hunter in the same words, 
Dec. 12, 1712. 4 

Alex r Baird, Teacher, 1707, had a pew in the Dutch Church at 
Jamaica, also called " Alexander the Scotchman." I suppose he was 
also a scrivener, as he was a witness to a will which he probably 
wrote at Foster's Meadow, Hempstead, 1714. 2 

Mr. John Wood was duly licensed by Lord Cornbury, Aug. 29, 
1705, to keep a Dancing School within the City of New York during 
the Governor's pleasure. 

On the same day, Mr Prudent De La Fayole was authorized to 
keep a French School within the said city. 5 

Thomas Huddleston[e] was licensed on the 5th day of December, 
1705, to teach the English language, writing and arithmetic in the 
town of Jamaica, Queens Co. 6 

The wordy plumage with which the diminutive body of the fol- 
lowing license is winged on either side, in " spread eagle " style, is 
somewhat peculiar : 

By his Ex ly Edward Viscount Cornbury Captain Gen 1 & Gov r in chief 
of the Provinces of New York & New Jersey and Territorys 
Depending thereon in America and Yice admiral of the same &c. 

To M r James Jeflray Greeting. 
I do hereby authorize and Impower You to Keep and Teach School 
within the city of New York and to Instruct all children with whom 
you Shall be intrusted in the art of Writing and Arithmetick for and 
During my Pleasure. 

1 Deeds, x, 171. 4 Deeds, x, 326. 

2 H. Onderdonk, Jr. 6 Deeds, x, 66. 

3 Deeds, x, 65. ' Deeds, x, 82. 



in the State of New York. 93 

Given under my hand and Seal at ffort Anne in New Yorke this 
Seventeenth day of Aprill — in the fifth Year of the Reign of 
our Sovereign Lady Anne, by the Grace of God of England, 
Scotland, ffrance and Ireland Queen Defender of the faith 
etc* — Annoque Domini 1706 

CORNBURY 
By his Ex lys Comand 

Geo. Claeke, Secty. 1 
Edward ffitz Gerald was also licensed, on the first day of May 
next following, in nearly the same words, to teach school in West- 
chester county. 2 

Some years later, Allane Jarratt, afterwards well known as a sur- 
veyor, etc., made the following application for a license to teach : 

To his Excellency Robert Hunter Esq 1- Capt. General and Governour 
in Chief of the Provinces of New York New Jersey and Territo- 
ries depending thereon in America and Yice Admiral of the same. 

The Humble Petition of Allane Jarratt 

Humbly Sheweth 

That yo r Petitioner haveing by an experience and practice of the 
Art Of Navigation and other parts of the Mathemat 8 for the space of 
fourteen yfeares after an early education in the most usfullest parts 
thereof acquired a competent Knowledge therein, and being sensible 
how much the youth brought up in this citty are at a loss in goeing to 
sea without a sufficient Instruction in writeing and Arithmetick and 
in the Art of Navigation with other usefull parts of theMathematicks 
that might be abundantly servicable to them in the discharge of their 
dutyes at sea and haveing been desired by several persons to Instruct 
them privately having now some leisure time but for avoiding pre- 
sumption and offence 

Your Petitioner Humbly beggs yo r Excellency's Lycence to teach 
Writeing, Arithmetick, Navigation and other parts of the Mathe- 
maticks, and yo r Petitioner as in Duty bound shall ever pray &c : 

ALLANE JARRATT 3 

[Endorsed] 15 th July 1612. 

This application was granted, in due form, as follows : 

By his Excellency Robert Hunter Esq 1 " [etc.] 
To Allane Jarratt Gent 1 Greeting : 
Being assured of yo r experience and Knowledge in y e practice of 
y e art of Navigation and of all parts of the Mathematics I doe 
hereby authorize and Impower you to Teach writeing, arithmetick 
Navigation and other parts of mathematicks to all such persons as 
shall be desirous to be Instructed therein within this City or province 
of New York for and during my pleasure Given under my hand 

1 Deeds, x, 112 ; K Y. Col. MSB., li, 111. S N. Y. Col. MSB., Ivii, 190. 
a Deeds, x, 114; N. Y. Teacher, vii, 278. 



94 Annals of Public Education 

and Seale at fort Anne in New York y e ffourth day of July in y e 
Eleaventh yeare of y e reigne of our Soveraigne Lady Anne by y e grace 
of God of Great Brittaine fl'rance and Ireland Queene Defender of y c 
ffaith &c, Annoqe Dm 1712 

By his Excellencies command E0 : HUNTER 

J Wileman D Secy x 

Mr. Henry Onderdonk, Jr., has furnished the following memo- 
randa relative to Friends' schools: 

1703. A schoolmaster is deemed necessary for Flushing, &c. Houses 
to be built for Friends' use, &c. 

1709. Thomas Makins, 2 schoolmaster at Flushing, signified his 
willingness to bring Friends' children to the week day meeting, &c. 

George Fox composed a spelling book to initiate children in the 
doctrine of Friends. I have seen 2d edition, 1706. He shows the 
propriety of Friends' names for the months, days of week, and use of 
singular thee for plural you in addressing one person : all justified 
by scripture. Its title page was thus : " An Instruction for right 
Spelling, Beading & Writing. [By Geo. Fox & Ellis Hooks.] 
London, 1673." 12°. It was reprinted, with additions, 1673, '83, 
'91, '97, 1700. _ > 

Another edition : " Instructions for right Spelling and plain direc- 
tions for reading and writing true English, &c, with several delight- 
ful things very useful and necessary for young and old to learn ; by 
G. F. & E. H., enlarged by A. S. — London, printed and sold by T. 
Sowle, 1706 :" reprinted, S 6 , 1726. 

It may be remembered that mention of a movement for establish- 
ing a Free School in the town of Hempstead was made in the 
preceding quotations from the Journal of the Assembly, relative to 
the passage of the free school act of 1702, though it does not appear 
that the action proposed was carried into effect. Five years later, a 
much smaller tract was voted for the use of the schoolmaster, though 
this action was repealed during the same year, as appears from the 
following record : 

1707, Ap. 1. — By major vote 4 acres in the town spot are voted for 
the use of the town for to settle a schoolmaster upon for to teach 
children, the land to be for the use of a school forever. 

This act was voted void, Oct. 20, 1707. s 

A later entry from the same source is as follows : 

1709, Dec. 12. — The school house is let to Isaac Jarmin for a year 
xcept the leanto which is reserved for the use of the school at any 
time when a schoolmaster presents for £4 18, to be p d the church 
wardens ; and if the town shall hire a schoolmaster, then he shall go 
forth of said house at a quarter's warning. 4 

1 Deeds, x, 319, 310. 

2 He was at Philadelphia, 1729, and wrote a Latin poem there {Descriptio Penn- 
sylvan ice). H. Onderdonk, Jr. 

3 * Hempstead Records, D., 238, as furnished hy H. Onderdonk, Jr. 



in the State of New York. 95 

It appears from a petition, dated August 1, 1711, as quoted in 
Stiles' History of Brooklyn (vol. i, pp. 180, 181), that there was in 
Flatbush " one howse & Lot of ground in the said Towne called the 
school howse conteining Eight acres ;" also, in Flatland " one howse 
called the School howse with the land adjoyning Containing two 
acres or thereabouts." 

Having now reached the date (1709) of the expiration, by its own 
limitation, of the free-school act of 1702, it is in point to remark 
that no effort seems to have been made to revive this act, nor, 
indeed, to make like provision by law for the encouragement of 
schools of any kind, for a period of more than twenty years, and 
none whatever in behalf of primary education, during the remaining 
colonial history of the State. Whether this suspension of legislative 
patronage resulted from growing indifference on the part of public 
men to the importance of primary education, we do not now propose 
to consider ; we rather refer to this subject for the sake of introduc- 
ing the notice of a new system of instruction which, under ecclesias- 
tical supervision, seems to have in a measure superseded, for many 
years, that hitherto provided by colonial and municipal authority. 
We refer to the venerable " Society for the Propagation of the Gos- 
pel in Foreign Parts," which, as is well known, sent many mission 
aries to this country and province, from its incorporation, in the yeai 
1701, until nearly the period of the Eevolution ; and which, also, at 
the suggestion of Col. Caleb Heathcote, himself a member of the 
Council at the time of the passage of the act of 1702 above quoted, 
furnished a number of schoolmasters for various settlements of the 
province, during a period of more than fifty years. The extracts 
hereafter quoted from the official history and reports of the Society 
will more fully exhibit the facts on this subject. 

The organization of this beneficent Society may have been the 
result, in part at least, of a suggestion made by the Rev. Dr. Bray, of 
London, in an ordination sermon, entitled : 

" Apostolic Charity, its Nature and Excellence considered, in a 
Discourse upon Dan., 12.3. Preached at St. Paul's at the Ordination 
of some Protestant Missionaries to be sent into the Plantations. 
[December the 19th, 1697.] l 

To which is prefixt, A General View of the English Colonies in 
America, with respect to Religion ; in order to show what Provision 

1 This date is inserted in writing in the copy belonging to th« Library of the N. Y. 
Historical Society. 



96 Annals of Public Education 

is wanting for the Propagation of Christianity in those Parts. * * 
By Thomas Bray, D. D. London, 1700." 

* * * * 

5. It will be further requisite to have free Schools erected at least 
one in every county, for the Education of their Children : and it 
would in a more especial manner, become the Professors of so Excel- 
lent a Religion as ours, to have a Provision made in one or two 
Schools at leastwise, in every Province, for the Instruction of half a 
dozen Indian Youth, to be sent afterwards amongst their own People, 
to civilize and convert them (p. 7, of the above.) 

* # * * 

One of the first acts of the Society for the Propagation of the Gos- 
pel, was to send to the English colonies on this continent a missionary 
to make personal examination. The person selected was the Bev. 
George Keith, whose journal relative to this tour is contained in the 
" Collections of the Protestant Episcopal Society for the year 1841," 
from which volume we briefly quote : 

After Mr. Keith came over and had made a survey of the field 
before him, he, in conjunction with the few clergymen then in the 
northern part of the country . . . made the following state- 
ment, designed for the Venerable Society : * . * * 

An Account of the State of the Church in North America, by Mr. 
George Keith and others. [Nov. 1702.] 

* * * * 

New Yoek. — There are some counties, five of which are inhabited 
by Dutch, and those of Dutch extraction, viz. : Albany, Ulster, 
Dutchess, Orange and King's County, in which the Church and 
Church of England Schools have not yet been settled, but the Presence 
of the present Governor of that Province, his Excellency the Lord 
Cornbury, has mightily influenced many of the people of the said 
counties to desire that Church of England Ministers and schoolmasters 
may be sent amongst them, particularly Albany representatives have 
desired his Lordship that an English Schoolmaster might be estab- 
lished in that county, . . . this Province, though it hath a great 
number of inhabitants, could never yet obtain a public legally Estab- 
lished School. 

* * * * 

A provision is made by law for six ministers, . . . There is yet 
no provision for Schoolmasters made by law, though by the zealous 
recommendation of the Lord Cornbury to the general Assembly, a 
legal maintenance is undoubtedly expected, and till then the Church 
of England Schoolmaster in the county of New York as heretofore, 
will be supported by the voluntary contributions of those whose 
children are instructed by him; notwithstanding it is humbly con- 
ceived that an annual Pension for the support and further encourage- 
ment of some Ministers and Schoolmasters in poor Towns will be 
of great use and service to the Church. 



in the State of New York. 97 

No School house yet erected in this Province. 

* * * # 

In all these Counties where the Church is established by the law 
of this Province, the People generally are in a readiness to embrace 
the Doctrines and Worship of the Church, and to Encourage Free 
Schools. 1 

* # # # 

Col. Heathcote seems to have conceived a plan for the establish- 
ment of schools throughout the province, having written to the Sec- 
retary of the " Venerable Society," under date of April 10, 1704, as 
follows : 

* * I had once formed a projection for fixing schools in this coun- 
try for the benefit of all the youths therein, in order to their being 
trained up, not only in learning but in their tender years to ingraft j 
them in the Church, but the storm which was lately raised upon me 
concerning church affairs, made me lay the thought of it aside for a 
while. However, if God is pleased to spare my life a little longer, I 
will, with His assistance, set it on foot, and hope it will be blessed 
with its desired effect. 2 * * * * 

Under date of June 1, 1704, Col. Heathcote further writes : 

* * I did in my last acquaint you that I would put forward a 
school in Westchester County, which I hope in a few months to 
inform you I have done, having the promise of an extraordinary good 
man for a school master, one who is not only very firm to the Church, 
but I am sure will be indefatigable to instill those principles into the 
youth and children, of whom the greatest hopes are, I believe. At 
first setting out it will be attended with some difficulties, that I beg 
the favor of you to move the Society, that they would be pleased 
(until such time as we are able to carry it on without help) to give 
us £16 a year, or what they shall think convenient towards maintain- 
ing of the schoolmaster, 3 * * * * 

Mr. Bolton adds : 

The school alluded to in the foregoing letter was soon after organ- 
ized at Rye, and Mr. Joseph Cleator appointed schoolmaster by Col. 
Heathcote. The Society also at once acted upon the request made 
them, and granted the sum of £15 per annum for his maintenance. 4 

The annual "Abstracts of Proceedings" of the Society for the 
Propagation of the Gospel furnish much information relative to the 
schools and schoolmasters under its care in this and other colonies ; 
from which abstracts we shall make a few quotations, after having 
given a condensed official narrative of its educational work in this 
colony, for a series of years. 

1 Coll. of P. E. Hist. Soc, for 1851, pp. xv-xvii. 

"Bolton's Hist, of the P. E. Church in Westchester Co., pp. 28, 29. 

3 Idem, pp. 139, 140, * Jdein, p. t40. 






98 Annals of Public Education 

In the year 1730, the Secretary of the Society (David Humphreys, 
D. D.) prepared " An Historical Account of the Incorporated 
Society for the Propagation of the Gospel in Foreign Parts," from 
which valuable work we quote at some length, prefacing the extracts 
concerning schoolmasters with one on ministers ; the latter class 
having been in some degree the means of introducing the former: 

New- York Government is next; this worthy People shewed an 
early Zeal for having the .Church of England Worship established 
among them. In the Year 1693, an Act was passed for settling the 
Church of England Service in some Counties, and a Provision 
appointed for 6 Ministers, one for the City of New- York, the Capi- 
tal of the Country, and the rest for otlier principal Towns. But 
this Act did not take Effect till about the year 1702, nor was the 
Provision made thereby, or sufficient Maintenance for the Ministers 
in the County Towns : These applied to the Society for Help ; par- 
ticularly the Inhabitants of TFes^chester, were very pressing for a 
Minister. Earnest Memorials were sent from the Inhabitants of 
New-Bochel, from those of Jamaica, and Hempsted, Towns in Long- 
Island ; from Statten- Island, and from Bye ; and their Desires have 
.been comply 'd with, and Missionaries sent to those Places. 1 

* •* # * 

In speaking of " Statten- Island" and the Rev. Mr. Mackenzie who 
was sent thither as a missionary, in 1704, Dr. Humphreys remarks : 

* * It was represented by Mr. Mackenzie, that the greatest Dis- 
advantage to Religion, arose from the Want of English Schools in 
that Island. The Children had no Education but the little they 
received from their Parents, and that bound them up to their Parents 
Language and Principles. Besides, there was such a Diversity of 
Tongues, as English, Fr< ncli, and Dutch, which made it necessary to 
settle a School there, more than in any other Place, in order to unite 
the Growing Generation in their Language, as well as in their religi- 
ous Principles. 

The Society were sensible that nothing could be more convenient 
than the opening of Schools in this Place. The whole Island was 
divided into three Precincts, they appointed a Schoolmaster for each. 
Mr. Brown taught School in the South Precinct, Mr. Dupuy in the 
North, and Mr. Williamson in the West. Mr. Dupuy did not keep 
School long: Mr. Potts succeeded him. Afterwards in the Year 
1715, Mr. Taylor was appointed, and continues still [1728] teaching 
School ; and several Accounts have been sent to the Society, that he 
teaches above 40 Scholars, without any consideration but the Society's 
Bounty ; that he instructs them in the Church-Catechism, with the 
Explanation, teaches them to join in Publick Worship, and keeps 
also a Night School for the Instruction of the Negroes, and such as 
cannot be spared from their Work in the Day time. 3 

* * * # 

; Humphreys' Historical Account, p. 55 t 2 Idem, pp. 218, 219. 



m the State of New Yore. 99 

Dr. Humphreys quotes a letter written to the Society, in 1712, by 
the Justices of Richmond county, from which we copy these para- 
graphs : 

We, Her Majesty's Justices of the Peace, High Sheriff, Clerk, and 
Commander in Chief, of her Majesty's Militia, in the County of 
Richmond, as well as for ourselves, as in the Name, and at the Desire 
of the other Inhabitants of the said County, Members of the Church 
of England, return our Thanks, for supporting our worthy Pastor, 
Mr. Mackenzie among us; whose unblamable Life affords no Occasion 
of Disparagement to his Function, nor Discredit to his Doctrine. 

* * * * 

You have added to the former, a fresh and late Instance of your 
Bounty, in allowing a Support to a Schoolmaster, for the Instruction 
of our Youth ; the deplorable want of which hath been a great Afflic- 
tion to us. 1 

* # * # 

In his description of Long Island and its affairs, Dr. Humphreys, 
speaking of Rev. Mr. Thomas, says : 

* * He wrote that there was a great want of Schools; the 
younger People and Children were growing up in a miserable Igno- 
rance, for "Want of being taught to read ; and he could not perform 
one Part of his Pastoral Office, Catechizing, for Want of a School- 
master to teach the Children to read. The Society appointed Mr. 
Gildersleeve Schoolmaster there, in the year 1713, and allowed him a 
Salary to teach the poorer Children Reading, Writing and the Rudi- 
ments of Arithmetic. The Yestry of this Parish wrote the Society a 
Letter on this Occasion, wherein they say : " Without your Bounty 
and Charity, our poor Children would undoubtedly want all Educa- 
tion ; our People are poor, and settled distantly from one another, 
and unable to board out their Children." The Society sent Quanti- 
ties of Paper for the Use of the School, Catechisms, and large num- 
bers of Common-Prayer-Books, which proved of great Benefit to the 
Younger People. The Youth was instructed, made their Responses 
regularly at Church, and Divine Service was performed with more 
Knowledge and Decency.' 

* * * * 

The following summary statement is given by the same authority : 

The Society have from their first Establishment, paid Salaries to 
several Schoolmasters in this Government. Mr. Gildersli&ve at 
Hempsted in Long Island, and Mr Taylor in Statten-Island, have 
been mentioned already. Mr. Huddlestone was appointed School- 
master in New- York City, in the Year 1709 ; he taught 40 poor 
Children for the Society's Allowance only ; he publickly catechised 
in the Steeple of Trinity Church on Sunday in the Afternoon, not 

1 Humphreys' Hist. Acc't, pp. 220, 221. 2 Idem, pp. 224, 225. 



100 Annals of Public Education 

only his own Scholars, but also the Children, Servants and Slaves of 
the' Inhabitants, and above 100 Persons usually attended him ; Certi- 
ficates attested by the Mayor of New- York, were Annually sent to 
the Society, certifying his doing such Service. He died in the Year 
1726 ; and his Son being desirous and capable of the Office, is 
appointed now in his Room. Mr. Glover was appointed Schoolmas- 
ter at Westchester in the Year 1714, and afterwards Mr. Forster / he 
teaches between 30 and 40 Children, Catechises on Saturday and Sun- 
day, which is certified by the Minister and chief Inhabitants of that 
Town. Mr. Cleator was settled Schoolmaster at Rye, in the Year 
1704 ; he teaches about 50 Children to Head and Write, and instructs 
them in the Catechism. And Mr. Denton hath been lately appointed 
Schoolmaster at Oysterhay in Long-Island. 

The Society have paid Salaries to Six Schoolmasters, besides a 
Catechist, for the Slaves at New- York in this Government ; and have 
sent Bibles, Common-Prayers, and other Books of Devotion or 
Instruction, to the Number of 2220 Volumes, besides Catechisms, 
and small Tracts which have been dispersed among the People by 
the Missionaries, or among the Children by the Schoolmasters. 1 



In a chapter of the same work, on the "Endeavors to Instruct the 
Negroe Slaves," Dr. Humphreys says of the Society : 

* * They opened a Catechising School for the Slaves at New- 
York, in the Year 1704, in which City there were computed to be 
about 1500 Negroe and Indian Slaves, and many of their Masters 
well disposed to have them made Christians. The Society hoped 
this Example set, might kindle a Zeal in some other good People, to 
carry on this Work, which they were unable to effect ; and to erect 
Schools for the Instruction of the Negroes, and employ Catechists to 
teach them at appointed Times ; and that the Legislature in the 
Colonies, would, by a Law, oblige all Slaves to attend for their 
Instruction. The Society found soon, it was not easie to procure a 
Person proper to be a Catechist. Mr. Elias Neau, a Layman, then 
living in New- York City, as a Trader, was represented to be the 
properest Person for that Office. He was by Nation a Frenchman, 
had made a Confession of the Protestant Religion in France, for 
which he had been confined several years in Prison, and seven Years 
in the Gallies. When he got released, he went to New- York, and 
traded there, and had the Character, from Persons of all Persuasions, 
of a Man of Piety, of sober Deportment, and serious Life. 

He accepted of the Offer of being Catechist ; and his former Suf- 
ferings on the Account of his Religion, did, with great Advantage 
recommend him to be a Teacher of the Christian Faith ; and his 
Humility enabled him to bear with the many Inconveniences in 
teaching those poor People. He entered upon his Office, in the year 
1704, with great Diligence. At first he was obliged to go from 
House to House, to instruct the Negroes, this was out of Measure 

1 Humphreys' Hist. Acc't, pp. 228, 229. 



in the State of New York. 101 

laborious ; afterwards he got Leave, that they should come to his 
House; this was a considerable Relief. There were two Obstruc- 
tions still ; the Time was much too short, and the Place was incon- 
venient, . . . being the uppermost Floor in Mr. Neau's 
House. * * * * 

This was a Work of great Pains and Humility ; Mr. Neau per- 
formed it diligently ; discoursing familiarly with those poor People, 
and laboring earnestly to accommodate his Discourse to their Capaci- 
ties. 

* * The Society had Accounts from Time to Time of Mr. 
Neau's Diligence and good Success ; particularly one very ample Testi- 
monial signed by the Governor of the Country {Robert Hunter Esq ;) 
the Council, the Mayor, and Recorder of New- York, and the two 
Chief Justices ; Mr. Neau persevered with the same 

Diligence, till the Year 1722, in which he died, much regretted by 
all who knew his Labours. Mr. Huddlestone, then School master in 
New- York, did for some Time supply his Place, and used to teach 
the Negroes, in the Church Steeple, >every Sunday before Sermon, 
and at his own House after Sermon. In a little Time the Society 
sent the Reverend Mr. Wetmore to be Catechist there, and received 
Accounts of his discharging his Duty diligently. . . . He after- 
wards desired to be appointed Missionary at Rye in that Government 
and the Society complyed with his Request, . . . The Society . . 
sent the Reverend Mr. Colgan in 1726, to be Catechist there. l 



The Society for the Propagation of the Gospel in Foreign Parts, 
as early as 1710, made efforts to evangelize the Five Nations, and 
also to furnish them the means of elementary education. The pro- 
gress and results of their attempts in this direction are given in the 
following extracts from Dr. Humphreys' narrative : 

A Committee met, and it was agreed there, and afterward by the 
Society at a general Meeting, that two Missionaries should be sent to 
the Mohock and Oncydes Indians ; with a Salary of 150Z Sterling 
each, together with an Interpreter and Schoolmaster, to teach the 
young Indians. * * 

Mr. Andrews was appointed Missionary among the Mohocks, and 
Mr. Clausen, who had been several Years employed as Interpreter by 
the Government of New- York, in ^Transactions with the Indians, 
was received as Interpreter to Mr. Andrews, and Mr. Oliver was 
made Schoolmaster. Mr. Andrews was particularly directed by the 
Society to use all possible Means to persuade the Indians to let their 
Children learn English, and the Schoolmaster was to make it his 
whole Business to teach them. The Society were now in good Hopes 
this Attempt would prove successful, since Her Majesty [Queen 
Anne] was so graciously pleased to provide for the Security of the 

1 Humphreys' Hist. Acc't, pp. 236-239, 243-245. 



102 Annals of Public Education 

Missionary by building a Fort just by the Mohocks Castle, to which 
the men and Children might easily resort to be instructed. 
* * ■* ■* 

The Schoolmaster Mr. Oliver opened his School. The Indians at 
first sent many of their Children, he began to teach them English, 
the parents obstinately refused to have them taught English. All 
possible Endeavors were used to persuade them ; they still persisted. 
Mr. Andrews sent this Account to the Society, and rather than quite 
break with the Indians, the Schoolmaster and Interpreter began to 
teach the Children a little in Indian. The Society were forced to 
comply with the Indians Obstinacy. They procured an Impression 
of Hornbooks and Primmers in Indian for the Children, sent them 
great Numbers, as also leathern Inkhorns, Penknives, a Quantity of 
Paper of several Sorts, and several other little Necessaries. The 
Children were now taught in Indian, and were treated with great 
Kindness, no Correction dared to be used, for the Parents were so 
fond of their Children, and valued Learning so little, they thought it 
riot worth gaining, at the least displeasing of their Children. To 
engage them farther to learn, Mr. Andrews used to give the Children 
who came to School, Victuals, and some small Utensils for their 
Parents. The Children used often to come for the Sake of getting 
Victuals; for the Indians are frequently drove to great Extremities, 
on Account of their making little or no Provision beforehand. The 
Children had a good natural Capacity, and an Aptness for Learning. 
Many of them begun to read, and some to write. This Method of 
giving them Victuals engaged the Parents to send them, for some 
time, to School. 

In the mean Time, Mr. Andrews proceeded to instruct the grown 
Indians by Help of the Interpreter, in some of the chief Articles of 
Faith and Rules of Life. . . . The Society, since they could 
by no Means prevail on the Indians to learn English, neither young 
nor old, laboured to get some good Translations made, of Parts of the 
Scripture at least, into the Indian Language. . . . The 
Society were very much assisted in this by Mr. Ereeman, 1 a very 
worthy Calvinist Minister. He had been five Years Minister at 
Schenectady to a Dutch Congregation, and had been employed by the 
Earl of Bellamont in the year 1700, to convert the Indians. He had 
a good Knowledge of the Dialect of the Mohocks, which is under- 
stood by all the Iroquois, who reach near 400 Miles beyond Albany. 
The Society applied to him for any proper Papers wrote in that Lan- 
guage, which he might have. * . . . He very frankly gave 
the Society a Copy of these Translations, which were sent to Mr. 
Andrews for his Help, and they were a great Help to him. He used 
frequently to read some of these to the Indians, and they could com- 
prehend well enough by his reading. But the Society were desirous 
some Part of the Scripture might be printed in Indi-an, and the 
Copies given to the Indians, and they taught at least to read that. 

1 Bernardus Freeman, minister of the Reformed Dutch Church, Schenectady, and 
all er 1 70 1, of Flatbush, L. I. (H. Onderdonk, Jr.) 



in the State of New York. ] 03 

Accordingly the Morning and Evening Prayer, the Litany, the 
Church Catechism, Family-Prayers, and several Chapters of the Old 
and New Testament, were printed at New- York; the Copies were 
sent to Mr. Andrews, and he gave them to such of the Indians as 
knew anything of Letters. * * * 

In a short time, the Indians grew weary of Instruction, the Men 
grown, would go out in Bodies a hunting for several Months, and 
forget all they had been taught ; and the young Boys when they grew 
up, were taken out by their Fathers to hunt, and so lost all they had 
got. This roving Life utterly destroyed all the Missionary and 
Schoolmaster's Labours. * * * 

Mr. Andrews wrote several Accounts more in 1718, that all his 
Labours proved ineffectual, the Indians would not send their Chil- 
dren to School, and no Body came to the Chapel ; that the four other 
Nations of the Iroquois, as they came by the Mohocks Castle, insulted 
and threatened him, that the Interpreter and Schoolmaster perceived 
all their Labour was lost, and that they were frequently in Danger of 
their Lives if they went out of the Fort. The Society received these 
Accounts with much Dissatisfaction, as being extremely contrary to 
what their good Desires had made them hope. However, they were 
so unwilling to abandon this wretched People to themselves, that 
they would not dismiss Mr. Andrews from his Mission upon his own 
Representation of his ill Success. They wrote to the Governor of 
New York, Robert Hunter Esq ; acquainted him with the Accounts 
they had received, and requested the Favour of his Excellency, to 
cause an Inquiry to be made, whether Mr. Andrews Labours were so 
fruitless among the Indians, and submitted it to his Judgment to dis- 
miss Mr. Andrews, if they should be found so. The Accounts trans- 
mitted hither were found true upon Examination, and Mr. Andrews 
left that miserable Race of Men. 1 

The following specimen quotations from the Society's annual 
" Abstracts of Proceedings," are also of interest in this connection : 

* * The Inhabitants and Freeholders in the Town of Rye and 
Mamaroneek, in the Province of New York, become humble Suppli- 
cants to the Lord Bishop of London, that Mr. Joseph Cleator, whose 
Affairs required his attendance in England, might obtain such an 
Allowance from the Society, as with what they were able to give 
him might encourage his Return among them, to teach School for 
the Instruction of their Children 2 * * 

* * They have allowed a Salary to Mr. Cleator a School-Master 
at Rye in the Province of New York? 

* * * * 

IV. Besides the Missionaries (with whom the Society has liberally 
provided several of Her Majesty's Colonies, even beyond the narrow 

1 Humphreys' Hist. Acc't, pp. 294, 295, 299-305, 310, 311. 

2 Account of the Society for Propagating the Gospel in Foreign Parts, * * 1706, 
p. 65. 

3 Idem, pp. 36, 37. 



104 Annals of Public Education 

Bounds of their Income) there has been a great Demand upon them 
for Catechists and School-Masters to Instruct not only the Servants 
and Slaves (who have hitherto lived as without God in the World) but 
also the Children of the Planters, especially the poorer sort, in Read- 
ing, Writing and the Principles of the Christian Religion, as Taught 
and Professed in the Church of England ; but the Narrowness of their 
fund having obliged the Society to send but few of these, a worthy mem- 
ber of their body, Colonel Heathcote of New York, has suggested an 
expedient of maintaining a great many more School-Masters, at the 
easy rate of Five or Six Pounds per annum, which the Society has 
most readily embraced, and referred it to the Governor himself, and 
the Missionaries of that Province, to put the proposal into Practice. 1 

* # * # 

Of the two persons recommended for Staten Island, in the following 
extract, Dr. Humphreys' " Historical Account " mentions Mr. Brown 
only ; and we have seen no other notice of Mr. Drewit : 

* * Mr. Mackenzy, the Society's Missionary in Staten Island in 
the Province of New York, having informed them how much they 
wanted School-Masters, to instruct the children of the English, Dutch 
and French, in the said Island, and having recommended Mr. Adam 
Brown, and Mr. Benjamin Drewit, for that Purpose, the Society 
made choice of them both ; and in the City of New York, they have 
given a little Pension to Mr. William Huddleston, the chief School- 
Master there, upon condition that he shall Teach 40 poor children 
gratis, after the same manner as they are instructed in our Charity 
Schools here in England? 

* * * # 

One of the greatest Cares incumbent on the Society for this last 
Year, has been to encourage the Instruction and better Education of 
Children and Youth, as well Indian as English, to breed them to 
Civility and good Conscience, in the Knowledge of Letters, and the 
Principles and Practice of Christian Religion ; to which purpose they 
retain'd and rewarded such Teachers and Masters as they found there 
capable and willing to be Amployed ; and sent over others, with Books, 
and Salaries sufficient for them. 3 * * 

* * * * 

Y. As to Catechists or /Sb^ooZ-masters, the Society have, as their 
Ability would permit, answered many Demands upon them on that 
Head also, . . . By continuing Mr. William Huddleston' 's Salary 
of 101 per Ann. for his care of the School at New York, (the Mainte- 
nance of which was before imcertain and precarious) ; By granting 
101 per annum each to Mr. Francis Williamson, and Mr. John de 
Pug, for their Pains in the School-way at Staten Island, so satisfac- 
tory to the worthy Missionary there, the Reverend Mr. yEneus 
Mackenzy, and so beneficial to the People as appears by an Address 

1 Abs. of Proc. of Soc. for Prop, of Gospel, 1710-11, p. 28. 

2 Idem, p. 32. 
* Idem, p. 48. 



in tee State of New York. 105 

of the Justices of Richmond County, dated June 13, 1712, and be- 
coming to a unanimous resolution, that Three more should be forth- 
with allow'd the Society's Pay, as Chatechists or School-masters ; one 
for the town of Hampslead in Long Island, at 101 per Annum, upon 
the Request of Mr. John Thomas, Missionary there, who represents 
the Children thereof, for want of Letters and Education, as wild, 
uncultivated and unimproved, as the soil was when their Fore- 
fathers first had it. A Second, at the Request of the Reverend 
Mr. Bridge, Minister of Bye, for the Service of two places in 
that Parish, distant from his Church, where several children want 
Instruction, who shall be allow'd 51 per Annum each, on a certificate 
that they have taught 30 such, the Bible, the Catechism, and the Use of 
the Liturgy : . . .To render this Branch of the Society's 
Care, which relates to the Education of Catechumens, and the Supply 
of Missionaries more effectual, it has been promised, in former 
Accounts, that the worthy Colonel Heathcoafs Proposal, of easie 
Ways for maintaining Charity-Schools in America, by an Allowance 
of 5 or 61 a year to each ; . . . should be respectively improv'd, 
when the Society should be in circumstances ; x 

* * * * 

The Society have received also a letter from Mr. Thomas Huddle- 
stone, Schoolmaster at New York, acquainting with the condition 
of his School, and inclosing a certificate from the Mayor of New 
York of the number of his Scholars, and of his Diligence in his 
School, whereby it appear'd that he teaches 40 poor Children for the 
Society's Allowance only, which being then but fifteen Pound per 
Annum, the Society have for his encouragement increased his Salary 
to twenty Pound per Annum: and upon his representing to the 
Society the great Want of Books for the poor Children, they have 
sent him twelve Bibles with the Common Prayer, twelve Testa- 
ments, twelve Psalters, twelve Expositions of the Catechism, and 
twelve Primers. 2 

* * * * 

Erom Mr. Hudlestone, Schoolmaster at New York, That he teaches 
fifty poor children on the Society's Bounty to read and write, and 
instructs them in the Church Catechism, many of which are now fit 
for any Trade ; and as they go off, his number is always kept up, 
poor People daily coming to see if there is any vacancy to admit 
their Children, being not able themselves to pay for their Learning. 3 

The following extracts belong to a period subsequent to that 

embraced in Dr. Humphreys' Historical Account : 

* # # # 

* * The Society also have received an Account from Mr. Beasly* 
Schoolmaster at Albany, in the Province of New York, That he 

1 Abs. of Proc, etc., 1712-13, pp. 40, 41. 3 Abs. of Proc, etc., 1728-9, p. 45. 

2 Abs. of Proc, etc., 1725-6, p. 41. 

' 4 Seems to bave been afterwards a Missionary and Schoolmaster at " St. John's 
Town in New Foundland," tbe name being given as " Peasley." (Abs. of Proc. etc., 
1747-8, p. 35.) 



106 Annals of Public Education 

hath lately instructed 8 Negroes, viz. : 6 Adults and 2 Children, who 
have been baptized by the" Reverend Mr. Miln, the Society's Mis- 
sionary at Albany. 1 

* * * # 

The Reverend Mr. Colgan, Minister at Jamaica, on Long Island, 
writes Octob. 11, 1737, . . . Mr. Colgan hath sent likewise a 
Certificate of the good conduct of Mr. Willett, the Society's School- 
master there ; that he is of an exemplary life and Conversation, and 
teaches School with Diligence : The Number of his Scholars being 
forty-three, of whom twenty-three are taught gratis by the Society's 
Bounty. 2 

* * Mr. JYoxon, the Schoolmaster, writes from New York, 
August 6, 1738, That he hath upwards of fifty poor Children, whom 
he teaches to read, write and cypher upon the Society's Charity ; and 
brings to Trinity Church, on Wednesdays, Fridays and Holy Days, 
to be catechised. He adds, there is great want of Common Prayer- 
Books and Psalters : And the Reverend Mr. Commissary Vesey, by 
a letter of Aug. 10, 1738, attests, that Mr. Noxon is diligent in his 
office, and of a good Life and Conversation : 3 * * * 

The efforts in behalf of the Indians, which were abandoned in 
1718, were subsequently renewed with more favorable results : 

* * * * 
However, the Society mindful of the Apostolical Advice, not to be 

weary in well-doing, resolved to make another attempt ; . . . 
and on August 30th, 1736, Mr. Barclay wrote from the same place 
[Fort Hunter'], that the Indians continued to attend devoutly every 
Lord's-day, and understood him perfectly well, he having made him- 
self Master of the Pronunciation of their Language, which was very 
difficult, the Words being many of them as long as Sentences with a 
great rumbling Sound : and that he taught 40 young Mohocks to 
read, and write, most of whom made good progress ; and he kept a 
Catechetical School in the Evenings, at which both old and young 
attended. 4 * * * 

* * Mr. Barclay intreats the Society, if it can by any means 
be afforded, to appoint an Indian Schoolmaster to teach their youth 
to read their own Language, there being several Indians well quali- 
fied for that office ; the Society hath directed Mr. Barclay to appoint 
one of them to it, with the approbation of Lieutenant-Governor 
Clarice, and of the Commissioners for Indian Affairs there. 5 * * 

* * He [Mr. Barclay] hath appointed, with the Consent and 
Approbation of the Lieutenant-Governor Clarke, and the Commis- 
sioners for Indian Affairs, Mohock Schoolmasters at their two Towns, 
viz. : Cornelius a Sachem at the lower, and one Daniel at the upper 
Town, who are both very diligent and teach the young Mohocks with 
surprising success. 6 * 

1 Abs. of Proc, etc., 1732-3, p. 48. 4 Abs. of Proc, etc., 1739-40, pp. 69, 71. 

2 Abs. of Proc, etc., 1738-9, pp. 54, 55. " Abs. of Proc, etc., 1740-41, pp. 62, 63 
*Abs. of Proc, etc., 1738-9, pp. 55, 56. ° Abs. of Proc, etc., 1742-3, pp. 46, 47. 



in the State of New York. 107 

It will appear from the list of Schoolmasters hereafter given, that 
teachers for the Indians were maintained by the Society, for about a 
quarter of a century from this period. 

We add a few more items relative to the English Schools, prior to 
1746: 

* * Mr. Taylor, the Society's Schoolmaster at Staten Island 
being dead, the Society upon a Petition and Recommendation from 
the Reverend Mr. Arnold their Missionary, and from the Church 
wardens and vestry of the Church of Staten Island, of Mr. Andrew 
Wright, as a Person of Good Morals, and a constant Communicant, 
and well qualified to teach, hath appointed him School master there 
to instruct the poor white, and black children also, if any such are 
brought to him, gratis, in the Principles of Christianity, and to read 
the Bible and the Common-prayer Book. 

And Mr. Commissary Vesey, together with Mr. Colgan the Society's 
Missionary at Jamaica on Long Island, having recommended Mr. 
John Moore, who hath had his Education in Yale College in New 
Haven, and designs to offer himself a candidate for Holy Orders 
when the Society shall encourage him to come to England for them 
as the person most proper in the mean time to succeed to the vacant 
school at Jamaica, the Society hath condescended thereto, and if his 
Behaviour shall deserve it, will hereafter take farther Notice of him. 1 
* * * * 

And as the maintenance of a learned and orthodox Clergy abroad, 
though the principal, is not the only Intent of this Corporation, 
but they are also to make such other Provision as shall he found 
necessary for the Propagation of the Gospel in Foreign Parts : The 
Society have done all in their Power to encourage, the setting up of 
Schools, that the rising Generation may be brought up in the Nur- 
ture and Fear of the Lord, and they give Salaries to three Cate- 
chists and twelve Schoolmasters for this purpose. 2 

Standing Orders of the Society fob the Propagation of the 

Gospel in Foreign Parts. 

* * « * 

VIII. Orders relating to the Schoolmasters. 

I. That no person be admitted a Schoolmaster, till he bring Certi- 
ficates, with respect to the Particulars following : 

1. The Age of the Person. 

2. His condition of Life, whether Single, or Married. 

3. His Temper. 

4. His Prudence. 

5. His Learning. 

6. His sober and pious Conversation. 

7. His Zeal for the Christian Religion, and Diligence in his Calling. 

1 Abs. of Proc, etc., 1742-3, pp. 47, 48. 

2 Dr. Bearcroft's Sermon before the Society, Feb. 15, 1744-45, p. 16. 



108 Annals of Public Education 

8. His affection to the present Government. 

9. His Conformity to the Doctrine and Discipline of the Church 
of England. 

II. That no Person be sent, as a Schoolmaster by the Society, till 
he has been try'd and approv'd by Three Members, appointed by the 
Society or Committee, who shall testify, by Word or Writing, his 
Ability to teach Reading, Writing, and the Catechism of the Church 
of England, and such Exposition thereof, as the Society shall order. 

III. That no Testimonials shall be allow'd of, but such as are signed 
by the respective Minister of the Parish where any such Schoolmas- 
ter sent over to the Plantations, last lived ; and where that is not 
practicable, by some other Persons of Credit and Note, three at least, 
of the Communion of the Church of England, (whereof one to be a 
Clergyman) and such, as shall be well known to some of the Members 
of the Society. 

IV. That no Testimonials, or Certificates shall be allowed of for 
any Schoolmaster, without first consulting the Persons, who are said 
to have signed such Testimonials or Certificates. 

V. That all Schoolmasters, in Matters, which they desire should 
be laid before the Society, do correspond only with the President, or 
Secretary of the Society. 

VI. That in order to the Keeping a due Correspondence with the 
Secretary, the Society's Schoolmasters do take a Receipt of the Mas- 
ter of the Ship (if it can be obtained) for every Letter they send to 
the Society, mentioning the Day and Year, when they delivered the 
same ; And, that they keep copies of the Letters and Papers trans- 
mitted to the Society, sending Duplicates by the next Conveyance, 
and therewith a Copy of the Receipt for their original Letters ; And 
also, that if the Place of their Residence be not a Sea-Port they send 
such Letters to one of their Brethren who resides, at such Sea-Port, 
desiring him to forward the same by the first Opportunity, taking the 
like Receipt : And lastly, that they give an Account of the Time, and 
the Ship's Name, by which they receive any Letter from the Society. 

VII. That the School-masters, who are received into the Society's 
Service before the Seasons of Spring and Autumn yearly, and do not 
proceed on their Voyage to the Place appointed them within the 
respective Seasons, be dismiss'd the Service of the Society. 

VIII. That if any School-master, in the Service of the Society, 
shall return from the Plantations, without Leave first had from the 
Society, such School-master shall receive no further Allowance from 
the Time, he shall leave his Service there. 

IX. That all School-masters sent over to the Plantations by the 
Society, (being married Men) be oblig'd to take their Wives with 
them, unless they can offer such reasons, as shall induce the Society 
to dispense therewith. 

X. That the Salary of every School-master, who is not dismissed 
the Service for some Misdemeanor, shall continue one Year, and no 
longer, after the Society have resolv'd at their Board to dismiss such 
Person from their Service. 

XL That the Salaries of the Society's School-masters be paid only 



in the State of New York. ]09 

by Bill of Exchange, to be by them drawn upon the Treasurers from 
~ime to Time, as such Salaries shall become due. 1 



t 



Instructions foe Schoolmasters Employed by the Society, etc. 

I. That they well consider the End for which they are employed 
by the Society, viz. The instructing and disposing Children to believe 
and live as Christians. 

II. In order to this End, that they teach them to read truely and 
distinctly, that they may be capable of reading the Holy Scriptures, 
and other pious and useful Books, for informing their Understand- 
ings and regulating their Manners. 

III. That they instruct them thoroughly in the Church-Catechism ; 
teach them first to read it distinctly and exactly, then to learn it per- 
fectly by Heart ; endeavoring to make them understand the Sense and 
Meaning of it, by the Help of such Expositions, as the Society shall 
send over. 

IV. That they teach them to Write a plain and legible Hand, in 
order to the fitting them for useful Employments ; with as much 
Arithmetick, as shall be necessary to the same Purpose. 

V. That they be industrious, and give constant Attendance at 
proper School-Hours. 

VI. That they daily use, Morning and Evening, the Prayers com- 
posed for their Use in this Collection with their Scholars in the 
School, and teach them the Prayers and Graces composed for their 
Use at Home. 

VII. That they oblige their Scholars to be constant at Church on 
the Lords-Day Morning and Afternoon, and at all other Times of 
Publick "Worship ; that they cause them to carry their Bibles and 
Prayer Books with them, instructing them how to nse them there, 
and how to demean themselves in the several Parts of Worship ; that 
they be there present with them, taking Care of their reverent and 
decent Behavior, and examine them afterwards, as to what they have 
heard and learn'd. 

VIII. That when any of their Scholars are fit for it, they recom- 
mend them to the Minister of the Parish, to be publickly Catechized 
in the Church. 

IX. That they take especial Care of their Manners, both in their 
Schools, and out of them ; warning them seriously of those Vices to 
which Children are most liable; teaching them to abhor Lying and 
Falsehood, and to avoid all Sorts of Evil-speaking ; to love truth and 
Honesty ; to be Modest, Gentle, Well-behav'd, Just and Affable, and 
Courteous to all, their Companions ; respectful to their Superiors, 
particularly towards all that minister in holy Things, and especially 
to the Minister of their Parish ; and all this from a Sense and Fear 

1 Coll. of Papers printed by order of the Society, etc., 1741, pp. 38-40. 

These "Orders" were first issued as early as 1706, but they did not comprise 
paragraphs VI, VII, and XI, of 1741, and did include the following, as If VIII, 
which was omitted in 1741 : 

" VIII. That no School-master be sent in the Society's Service till he be Episcopally 
Ordained Deacon ; and that he have a Salary not under Thirty Poitnds per Annum.'" 

See Coll. of Papers, etc., 1706 (in N. Y. Hist. Soc. library), p. 69. 



110 Annals of Public Education 

of Almighty God ; endeavoring to bring them in their tender Years 
to that Sense of Religion, which may render it the constant Principle 
of their Lives and Actions. 

X. That they use all kind and gentle Methods in the Government 
of their Scholars, that they may be lov'd, as well as fear'd by them ; 
and that when Correction is necessary, they make the Children to 
understand, that it is given them out of kindness, for their Good, 
bringing them to a Sense of their Fault, as well as of their Punish- 
ment. 

XI. That they frequently consult with the Minister of the Parish, 
in which they dwell, about the Methods of managing their Schools, 
and be ready to be advised by him. 

XII. That they do, in their whole Conversation, shew themselves 
Examples of Piety and Virtue to their Scholars, and to all, with 
whom they shall converse. 

XIII. That they be ready, as they have Opportunity, to teach and 
instruct the Indians and Negroes, and their Children. 

XIV. That they send to the Secretary of the Society, once in every 
six Months, an Account of the State of their respective Schools, the 
Number of their Scholars, with the Methods and Success of their 
Teaching. 

Notitia Scholastica ; or an Account to he sent every Six Months to 
the Society by each Schoolmaster, concerning the State of their 
respective Schools. 

1. Attendance daily given, 

2. Number of Children taught in the School, 

3. Number of Children baptized in the Church of England, 

4. Number of Indian and Negroe Children, 

5. Number of Children born of Dissenting Parents, .... 

6. Other Schools in or near the Place, 

7. Of what Denomination, 

8. Other Employments of the Schoolmaster, 

The Account to be attested by the Missionary (if any upon the 
Spot) and by some of the Principal Inabitants. 1 

The following is a list of the Schoolmasters and Catechists employed 
by the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel, in the Province of 
New York, from 1704 to 1782, with their respective salaries, and the 
number of scholars instructed, as compiled from the annual " Abstracts 
of Proceedings :" 

'Coll. of Papers printed by order of the Society, etc., 1706, pp. 33-85, and 1741, 
pp. 20-22. 



in the State of New York. 



Ill 






OO OOOIOIOOO 

jH^H HHrHHHTHH 



1-1 o 



S3 g2 



I I CO I .05 I 

o» o i i -1 . i w 

i> t- i> «> . CO t- 

T-l-r-tt-r-l .C-i-1 

o o 1-1 O •'"? o 

-^ +* o -^ : o ■*> 

o© *"© ~ © 

■^l C- lO CO CO IC CO 

OS OS ■>* OS CQ 4< OS 
MOt-«Tf«« 

J> i> t- J> J> £- J> 



o ;co" 

*P -A 

*> '. T-i 

1-1 ! o 



23! 



«s co 



E-rtJ 






l s S£ III I 



l-S 

P S en 



:wo 



:1B 

1f|1 

^^ • 









-2 o 
|g 






£S <8 •§ 



h r o> 

&c« 3 2 

3 fi •-' V '3 2 

03 co =S fcc^^ H 

So ~ 

g co 5 

Ph3« 



"3 "".a 

S 4) > 

o 



O c_ ^ 



Sa a 

CO CO -rH 



S f<8 

>»co aj 

<t? 2 



o o 

^^ 

* £ a 



Sag" 



f_r co o 



£,0 CO 

CO CSr^ 



§s 



O co g 






.2o 



•2c1 S 



T3 co 3 

CD *? H 



-M CO > 



©CO 



© ^i? 

3 § c 

B *" m 

co « § -J3 2 

o to _a o5 

ill !lg 

cm .^ CO CO CO 

?„ a ~ "■*> *> 

50^3 CD -flH 
C m1 O t, 

S-"Eh .2 a o 

© >, d?>H 

CO "S 

tn g oo - rt --5 co 
Ah in --S »; co I ~ 

cm co g^s a « 

§ g^^^ ©CM 



. DD 



<i-S 






fl^ 






112 



Annals of Public Education 



XX 




8 


Tl 


"" 


--> 




~ 




s 



1 * 

Si. «o 

M 

3*f 



$2 



•a-g 



! 7 i: 



<i © 






JO I i« of oi 

:cjgoo £g 

_,» •■ O V 

S*ggg| 



S rs _, — 5 w — '-I 



"5 *o 



.9 «> 



^H g^SH^Hrtrtt. 



S^S 



4) 00 93 003 



2 « 



.-:© « o 

^ 1^ 05 

•sag § 

a a> 



s>> 






g^^ood 



3£ S^ 



2° ;2f 

10 05 . 00 IO 

t- © . I- © 

Hi- .Ht» 

+* o „+* o 

iO ■* J> J> 03 

OMOO« 






1% 






1CO03 
MO© J* 
t- C- I- 



:.§ 



:^i3 a 
.- a a 

•a"3cq 



.3^ 



2B 

o o 
QO 



5 '3 

383 

all 

o o o 

.a .a .a 



J-s 



— . Pi.g> 

Si if? 

i 5 ? i 



in tite State of New York. 



113 







T3 02 


g af of 

« .3 .3 












s 














u 




- V 




-.d-d 














•< 
p 


-go 

si* 

*>_ - 


fe * ^ 

1«* 










-3 

CO 




< 


? iff 


? 






1 




3 


•r S_ 
beep - 

CO a, 

JO £3 lO 


5i « ti t- c- e«i 

5 ifi«§ - 




a 




O 

o 
03 


5 ^ e 

3 °£ o 

2 g £ « 

5 <j-9^ 


CD*- CO 

■do erc 




^--^ . 

tH ■<* 00 

1 1 a> 

coco 




O 

d 


8<> £ 




t-t» bo 




fc 


CO lO 


»o 




oc? 




oto 


3 




CO CO 




CY 


5T}< 




































1 


























to 
























cS 

10 


5 


K3 




ooc 




e 






oodif 


lon'ooK 








JO IO »c 




IC 








1-H TH T- 








5? 




















I 








:.©%t 






0! 








J- 










n 

H 
73 


e* 




JO CO 1 

4<U 




3 


3 






^ 


S!5':3 






od 




CJ OJ c- 




sc 


£- 






f- 


"* S :oc 






t-CN 




t»i-Tl 




6- 










c- .j> :c- 






'-'(N 










O 






$ 









°£ 




o o-£ 




c 






• • c 






-t-» i— 




*" "^c 






l-H 1-i 


-' 


'co"rjToc 





s 

W 
Pi 


21 

OD t 




COlOff 




i 


|35 


CM cot- 


CO IO Ttl COtJ 

OJ CO c 


« 






t> C 




©JJJJ<M 




■^ 








■* Tt< IO CO CC 






t-l> 




i>£-i> 




t- 


J> t- 


t» 


*>*> J> 


£» t- i> £- t> 


? 




iHt- 




Hrt,_ 






rtrH 




HHr 


r,r,r " Hr ' 
















o o c 




c 






,^~ 






jj 




•' 




'O'O'C 




■c 


f : 




'• O 












3 rt 


H 




1 








> 


= 3 :' 
















O <D 




£ 




o § _ 
to o-r 

» S 

a§ i 

> > > 

CD CJ 0. 




1 


& : 


c 


:P4 












d « 

^5 O 


! 

§ 

CO 

s 

1 


or 

C 


1 

1 






e 

< 

1 

K 

> 


0.3 

S £ 
£d 
.2 d 


i 

s 

r 

T 

E 


;l 

d CB c 

bW 1 


b 

> * 

a 

C 


i 

bO 

pap. 
1 1 


4 




t 


| || 

a"" 
cp 

11 

1 t- 

h 3 


fe 


«<W 




Ktftf 




g 


<1WPi 


<1 1 1 1 1 


1 




t«' 












£ 
1 















ID 


O 




























a 
1 


O 

K.-S 

1? 


> 










. 

fi 8 * 








1 

go 




o 












S3 

? 




















1 


1 



114 



Annals of Public Education 



2 






f'SF 



•1 % 



3* 



«« 



«s 



_ 
























1 












o 

1 


3 g 3 





S *g 




^ t- CJrH_ 


Eh 


o o ^ t 2 ^ 


< 


5 T § ^S 




o> S ^ ° 




i-H «0 " SI C3 


A 




o 
a 

o 
CO 




o 
d 


gt^ S o £ a 


£ 


OOIO i-< O lO ,3 . 




f WO CNJ r-l CO 


w 






■3 s 






















3 
J 






M 














© 








CO 






ia 








3 






T3 




cO 




& 






03 








§ 

< 


©~ie 


loinirfw 


ddddoodo" ©ooo 


srt 1 "'' 


u 




































o 














































































cd 










CO i-H - - 




H 
H 
CO 


CNJCO ' 

£©s 




3 «T 

io © 

O CO 




00 




t- O tO £- 








tH {> 




{> 




^H !>£>«> 






i-H CO 
















O 


o£2 




2 o • • o 


• -8 ooo 

rf'00 "^ *" *^ 




£ 


ojoIS • . co ® w n t- « "TV T 1 ? c i 5t ? 

(A ^ 4 eo od e* 4> "^ » <=> ^ O » t- co 4 oo jo 


COOH'M'ri'M-t o --: '- ' ' i-i — ' ^ © © l- 




g: £: t- g: g: i- i- c- t- «> t- 1- 1- 1- t- 1- t- 1- 


d 
W 












4" 
























H 






© 






w „ 






















<) 






o 


















b 






S 






go 






c ° 




ts 




t-T 


3 -r 




3 

o 
o 

w 

o 
CO 
h 


: ~-jh „ - © a 

>"" O m ci ►* rt^ n 


a 


t*h est 

> S - a § 3 * 1 




to 


q^s^Q-5g5«<! ^-jg wg^o 


H 
1 


.ssliliii^iiill 111 I 




"S* 








8 






















CD 


« 






w 










rtS 






1 


fe 






C 
1-1 




1 f 






• i 1 




'; 




'? 














i 


5 
P 












s 



•Ph • 


O 3 
^3 co 


SS2 


OS & 

^•2 


d—'o' 




o^o 


^»«" 






♦i en jj 




m * to 


^■6 




« CO 


.B c-2 






cp ° 


o go 


"2 2 

eJ csJ 
5 S 


^5 -S J 








<w ^ 


fS el* 


o-g o 


CD © 

3 "C 


a a 


O &0 

B3 a 



in the State of New York. 115 

As an appropriate finale to this list of early teachers, we quote two 
paragraphs from Rev. Dr. Berrian's Historical Sketch of Trinity 
Church, published in 1847 : 

There is nothing with which I have been so much struck and 
impressed, in the investigation of the early history of this Parish, as 
the zeal, the earnestness, and devotedness of the schoolmasters and 
catechists of that day. The former appear to have been selected from 
among the laity with great caution and care, and to have been per- 
sons of respectability and worth. The latter were occasionally lay- 
men, but more commonly such as were preparing for holy orders, or 
who had actually received them. Some of these were men of liberal 
education, who in the commencement of their professional life were 
full of promise, and who ended it with respect and honour. But they 
all seem to have entered with the same spirit upon their humble 
labours, and to have prosecuted them with a patience, an interest, 
and a blessed result, which put ours to shame at the present day. 
Intellectual was not then, to the extent that it is now, separated from 
religious improvement, but both went hand in hand throughout 
the week. The whole of early life was, in a certain measure, devoted 
to Christian instruction, and not merely reserved for the scanty inter- 
vals between the hours of worship on the Lord's Day. 

It is delightful to observe, in the annual reports of the schoolmas- 
ters and catechists to the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel, 
with what cheerfulness and industry they appear to have labored in 
their useful but lowly employment; with what particularity each 
addition to the number of scholars or catechumens, from year to year, 
is pointed out ; with what pleasure each change for the better, in the 
spiritual condition of the negro or Indian slaves, is noticed ; with 
what hopefulness and interest they look forward to their advance- 
ment in Christian knowledge, and. how sincerely they rejoice at their 
growth in Grace. 1 

We are indebted to Rev. Charles W. Baird, of Rye, "Westchester 
Co., author of a valuable history of that township, for the fol- 
lowing summary statement, in advance of the publication of his work, 
relative to the early schools of that locality : 

Rye belonged to Connecticut until 1683. Under the old laws of 
that colony, every town of 50 householders was required " to appoint 
one to teach children to read and write." The population scarcely 
reached the figure previous to the year mentioned. Any efforts 
therefore in favour of education were voluntary. At a town meeting, 
April 22, 1690, a committee was chosen " to procure a minister, and 
if possible a schoolmaster." Nothing further appears on the subject 
till Jan. 29, 1711, when the Proprietors voted to "build a school 
house upon their owne charge." It was agreed that " any person or 
persons that will bear his or theire proportion of moneys in building 
the schoole house, shall have an equall privilege of the said house for 

1 Berrian's Historical Sketch of Trinity Church, New York, pp. 86, 87. 



1]6 Annals of Public Education 

schooling with the Proprietors." This school appears to have been 
held where the village school stood, near the Episcopal church, until 
some thirty or forty years ago. 

About this time there were other schools in different parts of 
the towji. In 1716, we hear of "a travelling woman who came 
out of y e Jerseys, who kept school at several places in Rye parish." 
"As to schools," writes the Rev. James Wetmore in 1728, " there 
are several poor ones in different parts of the parish. Where a number 
of families live near together, they hire a man and woman at a cheap 
rate, subscribing every one what they will allow. Some masters get 
£20 per annum and their diet ; but there is no public provision at all 
for a school in this parish." 

The Society in England "for the Propagation of the Gospel in 
Foreign Parts," supported a schoolmaster at Rye, from 1707, till the 
period of the Revolution. The first schoolmaster was Mr. Joseph 
Cleator, 1707-1732. 1 In 1711, a Mr. Huddlestone was also engaged, 
under the Society's care, in teaching in some parts of the parish of 
Rye, which included the towns of Bedford, Mamaroneck and Rye — 
Rye itself at that time comprehending Harrison and the White Plains. 

From 1731 to 1745, Mr. Flint Dwight taught a school, under the 
same auspices, at the White Plains. At Rye, Mr. Cleator was suc- 
ceeded in 1733 by Mr. Samuel Purdy, who continued till 1719, when 
he. removed to the White Plains, where he died in 1753. Timothy 
Wetmore succeeded him at Rye till 1769, when his brother James 
took the school, but gave it up at the outbreak of the Revolution. 

The number of children attending the Society's school at different 
periods is stated as follows : 

In 1719, Mr. Cleator taught 50 pupils. In 1736, Mr. Dwight 
taught 46, and Mr. Purdy 41. In 1776, Mr. Wetmore's school num- 
bered 71. 

As to the kind of instruction, we learn from John Adams, who 
visited the place in 1774, that it was purely elementary. " They 
have a school for writing and cyjyher'ing, but no grammar school." 

There was a school-house on Rye Neck, or Budd's Neck, as it was 
then called, as early as 1739; and one in the neighbourhood of Saw- 
pit, now Port Chester, a few years before the Revolution. Little is 
known about them. 

The "travelling woman who came out of y e Jerseys and kept school 
at several places in Rye Parish," is the second school mistress in the 
Province of whom we have any record, Rachel Spencer having been 
the first, 3 At a much later period, the girls in Mr. Hildreth's school, 
at N. Y. city, "in the afternoon learned to write, being the rest of the 
day under the care of a school mistress employed by the Vestry," by 
whom they were " taught needlework." 3 

I It will be observed that Mr. Baird's statistics differ in a few cases from those con- 
tained in the foregoing tabular list of schoolmasters in Westchester Co. The local 
annalist may be more generally correct, though some of the Prop. Soc. Keports 
seem not to have been consulted by him ; while others have not been accessible to us. 

II Ante, p. 69. 

8 Abs. of Proa, etc., 1763-3, p. 77; 1764-5, p. 73, 



in the State of New York. 117 

In connection with the foregoing sketch of schools established and 
sustained in the interest of the Church of England, it is appro- 
priate to insert a statement kindly furnished by Mr. Henry Onder- 
donk, Jr., relative to both the English and the Dutch primers for 
the instruction of children in those early days : 

Religion was the leading idea in Dutch (as well as English) teach- 
ing. 1 have a Dutch Primer, or A. B. C. Book, as it is called, 
(Amsterdam), similar to our New England Primer. It has a large 
rooster on one page, and a picture of a Dutch school on the other. 
The master has a cap on his head and a bunch of twigs in his hand. 
The class stands before him and other boys are seated at their desks. 
After a very little spelling, succeeds the Lord's Prayer, Creed, Deca- 
logue, Morning and Evening Prayer, Grace before and after meat. 
The instruction is altogether religious, which feature (I suppose) is 
retained in our Catholic schools to this day. 

# * # * 

The Episcopalians also had their Primer corresponding to the 
Dutch and New England Primers. I have one (once the property 
of Rev. Thos. Poyer, 1709-30, of this place) [Jamaica, L. I.] adapted 
for children. The prayer, etc., have the long words all divided into 
syllables, thus : Com-mand-ment. 

Replying to an inquiry relative to the early schools of Queens 
county, Mr. Onderdonk says: 

Our county (Queens) was settled from Kings, from 1670, or there- 
abouts, to 1720. So there could not have been any Dutch schools at 
the earl} 7 date you require, except in some Dutch neighborhoods. 
Under the English Government,' private or subscription schools were to 
be found all over the country. In some neighborhoods Dutch wastaught. 

In the same communication, Mr. Onderdonk incidentally refers to 
an early schoolmaster at Flat Lands, Kings county, of whom we have 
seen no other notice. He says : 

I have an old school bill in Dutch, 1708, written by Isaac Selover 
in a beautiful hand. He was teacher at Flatlands in 1695 and onward. 

The following is a copy of the school bill referred to, and a transla- 
tion of the same (with an added remark in brackets), by Mr. Onderdonk : 

1708. Jacobus Montfort hebben ter school geweest vanden 4'Meij 
den 4' Julij is 2 maanden | nu' vanden 2 Sep r tot den 2 Octobg is 
een maant — samen 3 manden 

Comt Z 10 gl 
I. Seloover 

Schoolm r 

(Translation). 
1708. Jacobus Montfort hath been to school from May 4th to July 
4th, which is 2 months [staid home probably to help his father in 



118 Annals of Public Education 

harvest time, July and August] now, from the 2 d Sept. to the 2 d 
Octob r is one month, altogether 3 months 

Comes to 10 guilders. 

I. SELOYEE, 

Schoolm*. 
Mr. Onderdonk further states : 

Georgius Sheriosby 1 ( ? ) writes his name, 1721, in an old volume 
of Sermons as " Schoolmaster on Cow Neck." Should perhaps be 
" Thoresby," as that is a true English name. 

James Loquart kept school at Jamaica, in 1722 ; Thomas Temple, 2 
and William Rock, in 1731 ; Thomas Lynstead, at Oyster Bay, and 
elsewhere, in 1723. 

Of the schools founded and for a time sustained by the " Venerable 
Society," one at least has been continued without interruption until 
the present time, viz. : the so-called " Trinity School," of New York 
city. We cannot better exhibit its early history and condition than 
by (pioting from Rev. Dr. McYickar's Discourse, delivered Dec. 20, 
1859, at the celebration of the One Hundred and Fiftieth Anniver- 
sary of the School ; premising, however, that in the light of the fore- 
going Annals, Trinity School is hardly entitled to be called "the 
earliest of its [N. Y. city's] schools in the English tongue ;" the 
Grammar Free School, for example, having already closed its career 8 
at the time when Trinity School claims to have been founded : 

The antiquity of Trinity School (if such a term may be used in our 
land of yesterday) deepens further the interest with which this city 
at least should regard it ; for it was the earliest of its schools in the 
English tongue, as well as the earliest that taught its children the 
doctrines and worship of the Church, in one of whose Sanctuaries we 
are now assembled : a school that goes back to within one hundred 
years of the first discovery of our noble river, to within thirty years 
of the origin of the city's name, a name then the badge of recent 
conquest, now of world-wide lame, New York. It goes back to the 
very infancy of our great metropolis, when its streets could be counted 
on the lingers of a single hand; when its bounds had scarce trans- 
cended the favorite swamp of its original Dutch settlers ; when its 
population was but that of a village, less than live thousand; its com- 
merce that of a country store-keeper, exporting raw produce to the 
amount of eight thousand pounds (sterling). It is a school whose 
antiquity goes beyond the age of every educational institution 
throughout our wide-spread land, with the exception of three among 
its thousand, viz. : Harvard College, founded A. D. 1636, William 
and Mary College, in 1691, and Yale College, in the year 1700. Let 
us then pay to Trinity School the reverence at least due to age. 

1 There is a provoking uncertainty about the letters. I write it as was copied by a 
friend ; but I add a fac-simile. The original is in the possession of Mr. Clarkson, 
Clermont, N. Y. 

a Mr. Temple subsequently taught at Hempstead. See ante, p. 111. 

3 Ante, pp. 76-89. 



in the State of New York. 119 

Its beginnings, however, were as humble as the intellectual needs 
it came to satisfy. To teach the poor without charge ; to instruct 
Dutch children in the English tongue, and to train up all in the nur- 
ture and admonition of the Lord, with its secular teaching, carried on 
in some rented room for the reception of its obligated forty scholars, 
and its religious instruction, including Church Psalmody, given in 
the porch of Trinity Church, then but recently erected ; or rather, as 
the original report has it, " in the steeple " of the church (a term, 
however, not to be literally interpreted, inasmuch as its catechumens 
often amounted to the number of two hundred); these were the 
simple and lowly, yet blessed labors of the early teachers and cate- 
chists of Trinity School ; carried on under the sanction and general 
guidance of the Venerable Society in England for " Promoting the 
Gospel in Foreign Parts," by whom its teachers and catechists were 
appointed upon recommendation from the Vestry, with the primitive 
salary of from ten to fifteen pounds (sterling) ; and under the obliga- 
tion of instructing for the same at least forty scholars, the Society 
supptying them also by occasional gifts with Bibles and Prayer-books 
for the school and for distribution. All else for the needs of the 
School, as well as for the support of its teachers, rested upon Trinity 
Church, by whose care these primitive salaries were from the first at 
least doubled, though attaching to their appointment incidental 
duties ; while to both teacher and catechist position in society was 
further given by annually electing them members of the vestry, its 
first incumbents having held such position, one for nine, the other 
for fourteen years, until the period of their death ; all which details, 
touching Trinity Church, are here given, not as diminishing in aught 
the liberality or zeal of the Venerable Society to whose bounty and 
care, not the School only, but the whole Church, was so deeply 
indebted; but in justice to a Corporation which thus early began the 
patronage of education in our Church and City, and which it this day 
becomes the earliest recipient of its bounty thankfully to record. 
How small, too, at this time were its own means of support, may be 
judged from the rental of its recent endowment, then, as now, its 
only property, the King's Farm, amounting to but £35 New York 
currency. Of the long list of teachers and catechists thus 

appointed from the year 1709, to the period of separation of the 
colonies from the mother country, I name but the first of each, viz. : 
William lluddlestone, " teacher," of whom little is recorded beyond 
his laboring "faithfully and successfully" in his fourteen years 
incumbency, and as being followed in it by his son. Of the first 
" catechist," however, Elias Nau [Neau] by name, more may be said ; 
. as bringing home the Church and its services to the love and 
affection of all classes, to the children, to the common people, to the 
negro slaves, and even to the native Indians, who still swarmed in 
the town. The memory of these early teachers is indeed past ; but 
their example remains, bringing a blessing, we may trust, on the 
School's present labors. * * 

In 1748, Trinity Church erected a building for the School's accom- 
modation on ground contiguous to the church. This being destroyed 
by fire at the very moment of its completion, ... a second 



120 Annals of Public Education 

structure was with difficulty, through want of means, erected, and 
that only by aid of liberal gifts brought forth by its misfortune. 
. Up to the year 1776, the School continued under the joint 
patronage and care oi' the Venerable Society and Trinity Church, its 
support resting mainly upon the latter. Upon the breaking out 
of that contest among brethren, its doors were for a time closed, its 
teachers scattered ; and, in the subsequent great fire that desolated 
our city, the school-house shared the fate of its only patron, and was 
laid in ashes. But with the close of that contest came a new era in 
its history ; Trinity School becoming legally and by name, what in 
truth and practice it had long been, the School of Trinity Church, 
and a commodious building erected for its accommodation. 1 

The following paragraph, containing an allusion to Samson Occom, 
noted as a preacher, and as the author of the hymn, " Awaked by 
Sinai's awful sound," etc., is appropriate in this connection : 

In 1741, the Society for Propagating the Christian Religion among 
the Indians of New England [Society for the Propagation of the Gos- 
pel in Foreign Parts], . . . appointed the Rev'd Azariah Horton 
a missionary among the Montauketts. . . . Subsequently, there 
were a number of Indian preachers and teachers among them ; but the 
most distinguished was Sampson Ocum [Samson Occom], a Mohegan, 
who was born in 1723, and educated in Connecticut by Mr. Whee- 
lock and Mr. Pomeroy. He opened a school on Montauk in 1755, 
and also preached there from that date until 1761. 2 * * 

The importance and steady continuance of the educational work 
carried on by the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel, have 
induced us to present the whole of this subject consecutively, and to 
defer for the time being our notice of contemporary teachers and 
schools. We now recur to the date at which the special narrative 
just referred to commenced, to gather up what still remains of edu- 
cational interest for so much of the same period as precedes the year 
1746, the general limit, as to time, of the present chapter. 

A colony of Palatines having settled, in 1710, upon a portion of the 
Livingston Manor, a school-house was erected soon after, as appears 
by the following record : 

I acknowledge to hav. Received of Robert Livingston 40 Boards 
for y e School house in y e paletyeyn town called Queensberry 8 & desire 
s d Livingston to send for y e s d use 30 Boards now to Compleat y e 
School house. 

dated this 18 Jany 1711 

Jon. Fr. ILeyer, Min. 4 

1 One Hundred and Fiftieth Anniversary of Trinity School, pp. 14-17. 

2 Gardiner's Chronicles of Easthampton, pp. 70, 71. 

3 One of the four Palatine villages established about the year 1710, and collectively 
known as the "East Camp." These villages were within the limits of the present 
town of Germantown, Columbia county. 

4 Doc. Hist, of N. Y., hi, 668 (8° ed. ); 400 (4° ed.). 



In tee State of New York. 121 

The existence of the first English school west of Albany, of which 
we have seen any mention, has been recently declared, as follows : 

* * Schenectady had its first school in the English tongue in 
1710. 1 * * * 

No reference to original records is given in support of this state- 
ment, and nothing further has come under our notice to substantiate it. 

The following petition preserves the name of a schoolmaster, who 
might otherwise, perhaps, be unknown at this time : 

To His Excellency Kobert Hunter Esq r Capt. Generall and Govern- 
our in Cheife of y e Province of New York New Jersey and Terri- 
tories thereon depending in America and Vice Admirall of y e 
same &c. 

The humble Petition of Anthony Gleane [Glead 2 ] of flushing in 
Queens County Blacksmith Dec'd (sic) 

Sheweth 

That one James Battersby, late of fflushing aforesaid Schoolmaster 
Dece d lately Dyed Intestate there being in his life time and y e time 
of his Decease Considerably Indebted to yo r Petitioner for Lodging 
and otherwise and having noe relation in these parts Your petitioner 
was at y e expence of his ffunerall and y e said Deceased have some 
small estate in Goods & Chattells within this Province tho' hardly 
soe much as yo r Petitioner beleives to Reimburse what is due to yo r 
Petitioner from y e said Intestate. 

Your Petitioner therefore most humbly prays yo r Excellency will 
be pleased to Grant him Letters of Administration of y e Estate of y e 
said Dece'd within this province as principle Creditor of y e said 
Intestate. 

And yo r Petitioner shall ever pray &c 

ANTHONY GLEANE 

New York 12 th August 1715. 

I direct Letters of Administration to be granted of y e said Intes- 
tate's Estates to y e petitioner according to y e prayer of y e said 
Petition 

KO. HUNTER 3 

It appears from the annexed quotation, that a Latin school was 
once established in the city of New York, under the care of Mr. 
David Jamison, who was also subsequently Clerk of the Council, 
Secretary and Attorney-General of the Province, Chief Justice of 
New Jersey, etc. : 

1 Sup't Rice's Special Report on the Condition of Education, 1867, p. 78. 

2 H. Onderdonk, Jr. 

8 N. Y. Col. MSS., lx, 36. 



122 Annals of Public Education 

Governor Hunter to the Lords of Trade. 

New York Oct r 2 d 1716. 
* * * * 

Mr. David Jamison is the same person mentioned in the extracts 
of the Earl of Bellomonts letter to your Board, tho' much different in 
his character and conduct from what he is represented there to be. 
The real truth is this M r Jamison after a liberal education 
at schools and Colleges in Scotland from some discontent the preju- 
dice of education or the folly and heat of youth, or all of them 
together, took occasion to join himself to that multitude which in the 
end of King Charles y e seconds reign, were called by the name of 
sweet singers. . . . He was in company with others of that 
sort when taken prisoner by a party of the Kings forces. . 
One Lockhart who had a ship boun[d] for America was ordered by 
the Govern* to go to the house where they were kept, and know of 
them whether they would voluntarily go on board with him for 
America. . . . being arrived here the minister of the Fort M r 
Clarke paid M r Jamisons passage, and the chief men in the place 
reimbursed M r Clarke and set him to teach a lattin school, which he 
attended for some time with great industry and success, but finding 
that incouragement but small, he entred himself into the Secretary's 
office. 1 

* * * * 

We have failed, after considerable search, to find any other allusion 
to this Latin School, and can only infer from the last sentence of the 
above extract, in connection with the fact that Mr. Jamison was 
Clerk of the Council as early as 1693, 2 that it was established as early 
as about the year 1690. 

The following fragments, gleaned from the town records of Hemp- 
stead, L. I., may be regarded as one brief chapter in the school his- 
tory of that locality, which seems entitled to the credit of having the 
third school, in the order of time, on Long Island. The iirst para- 
graph properly belongs to the Dutch period, and might have been 
inserted on page 36, ante : 

Education was not neglected by the settlers [of Hempstead] ; for 
we find that the town (in 1058) devoted the fines from unlicensed 
dram-sellers to the schooling of poor orphans. 

Richard Gildersleeve, who gave place to Richard Charlton in 1670, 
succeeded Jonas Houldsworth, who taught in 1662. 

In 1702, the town voted 100 acres of land for a free school; also 
timber for building, fencing and firewood. 

In 1707, four acres of land, west of the meeting house pond, were 
granted to " settle a school master upon for to teach our children — 
the land to be for the use and privilege of a school forever." 8 

' K Y. Col. Doc, v, 478. 

2 N. Y. Col. Doc. , iii, 227. 

3 Onderdonk's Hist. Sketch of Ancient Agriculture, etc., in Hempstead (included in 
26th Ann. Rep. of Queens Co. Agri. Soc), p. 03. 



In the Statu of New York. 123 

1722, April 3. — By major vote a 3 acre lot that was granted for a 
school is now given to justice Tredwell. Thos. Gildersleeve, School- 
master, protests against this vote. 

1732, April 4. — To Benj. Valentine is given all the timber left 
about the school house. The bricks left are to be allowed for the 
Parsonage chimneys and house. The town schoolhouse lot is let to 
Col. Jno. Treadwell for 27s the present year. 

1737, April 5. — By major vote Rev. Robt. Jenny has the privilege 
of enclosing and using the schoolhouse lot till the Town shall have 
occasion of it for a school or schoolmaster. 1 

The annexed advertisements, copied from early volumes of the New 
York Gazette, the first newspaper published in the Colony of New 
York, are probably the earliest specimens of this method of recruiting 
scholars (now so extensively relied upon), employed within the limits 
of this State : 

On the 15th of September next, at the Custom House in this 
City (where a convenient Room is fitted up) James Lyde designs 
to Teach in the Evenings (during the Winter) Arithmetiek, in 
all its parts, Geometry, Triyo?iometry, Navigation, Surveying, 
Guaging, Algebra, and sundry other parts of Mathematical Learning, 
Whoever inclines to be instructed in any of the said Parts of Mathe- 
matical Knowledge, may agree with the said James Lyde at the 
House of William Bradford in the City of New York. [New York 
Gazette, Numb. 254 2 , Aug. 31 to Sept.' 7, 1730.] a 

At the house of George Brownell, near the Custom- House, are 
taught Beading, Writing, Cyphering, Merchants Accounts, Latin, 
Greek, &c, also Dancing, Plain-work, Flourishing, Lmbroidery, 
and various So?'ts of Works. Any persons may be taught as private 
as they please. [New York Gazette, Numb. 295 4 , June 14, to June 
21, 1731.] 

EDward Gatehouse, Writing Master, hereby gives Notice, That 
many or the greater part of his scholars being sick of the Small Pox, 
he takes this Opportunity, on an Extraordinary Occasion to go into 
the Country, and in ten days intends to be back to attend his School. 
[New York Gazette, Numb. 311 2 , Oct. 4 to Oct. 11, 1731.] 

Grammar, Writing, Arithmetic Vulgar & Decimal, Taught by 
William Thurston, School-Master in New York, dwelling at the Cor- 
ner-House by Koenties Market, over against the Skotch Arms. [New- 
York Gazette, Numb. 35S 4 , Aug. 28 to Sept. 4, 1732.] 

This is to give Notice, That over against the Sign of the black 
Horse in Stnith-Street, near the old Dutch Church, is carefully taught 
the French and Spanish Languages, after the best Method that is 
now practized in Great Britain, which for the encouragement of 
those who intend to learn the same, is taught for 20s. per Quarter. 

Note, that the said Person teaches Reading, Writing and Arith- 

1 Hempstead Records, as furnished by H. Onderdonk, Jr. 

3 The superior figure affixed to the number of the newspaper, indicates the page on 
which the school notice occurs. 



12 i Annals of Public Education 

metick, at very reasonable Terms, which is per Quarter for Readers, 
5s. for Writers 8s. for Cypherers 12. [New York Gazette, Numb. 
511, 4 Aug. 4 to Aug. 11, 1735.] 

Notice, That the Subscriber, late from Old England, intends (as 
soon as the Weather is warmer and proper Encouragement be given) 

To teach Writing m all its Hands, Arithmetic^, and Latin, (as 
also to teach the Grammar Schollars twice a Day Writing, gratis) 

Whoever is willing to encourage him in so commendable a Work, 
mid so requisite in this flourishing City, may, at Mr. Wood Fur- 
man's in Wall-street, agree with on that subject, 

CHARLES JOHNSTON. 

[New- York Weekly Post-Boy, Numb. 59 4 , March 5, 1743-4 
{Parker).'] 

Similar advertisements of later dates are reserved for a subsequent 
chapter. 

The establishment, in 1732, of " a public school to teach Latin, 
Greek and Mathematics, in the City of New York," under authority 
of an act of the General Assembly of the Province, may be regarded 
as an event of considerable interest in the history of public education 
in this Colony ; though, like the Grammar Free School of 1702-9, it 
seems to have flourished during a period of only about seven years. 
Both the schools referred to may have been vitally, if not formally, 
connected with the repeated proposals and attempts, beginning as 
early as 1703, to found a college in this Province ; though of this 
there seems to be no official evidence. Having consulted several his- 
torical sketches of Columbia (formerly King's) College, for founding 
which legislative provision began to be made in 1746, we find no 
statement or suggestion that this earliest New York college had for 
its germ any pre-existing school whatever. Still, we can hardly 
doubt that there was some vital relation between the various move- 
incuts, however spasmodic and disconnected, which gave corporate 
existence, first to two temporary institutions of the academic grade? 
and finally to a permanent college. 

Since writing the foregoing paragraph, we are gratified to find our 
inference on this point confirmed by the late Hon. Benjamin F. But- 
ler, who, in an anniversary address delivered before the Albany Insti- 
tute, in 1830, refers to Mr. Malcolm's school, and remarks that it " is 
said to have formed the germ of Columbia College." 1 He cites, as 
authority for this statement, Smith's History of New York, which 
speaks of the movement for founding a College as " a project early in 
the eye of the patrons of the public school, formerly trusted to the 

1 Albany Institute Transactions, i, 179. 



w the State of New Yofk. 125 

care of Mr. Malcolm, favored by the pupils of that institution now 
rising to manhood, and forced by a general spirit of emulation on 
discovering the sundry advantages our youth had acquired by an 
academical education in Great Britain and Ireland, but chiefly at the 
neighboring Colleges of New England." 1 

The official history of the passage of the above mentioned act of 
1732, is an appropriate preface to the act itself: 

[In General Assembly.'] 

Die Martis-9 ho. A. M. Oct. 3, 1732. 

The Petition of sundry Gentlemen, and others, whose Names are 
thereunto subscribed, was presented to the House, and read, praying 
the Permission of this House, for bringing in a Bill to establish a 
perpetual Support for a Master, to teach Latin and Greek. 

Ordered, That Leave be given to bring in a Bill for encouraging a 
public School, to teach Latin, Greek, Arithmetick, and the Mathe- 
maticks, in the City of New- York ; and that for the Encouragement 
of a School Master for that Purpose, the unappropriated Money, to 
rise by the Act for licensing Hawkers and Pedlars, until the first Day 
of December, 1737, be applied for that End ; and that the said City 
make up the Income of that Fund annually, during that Time, to 
the Sum of Pounds ; and that in Consideration thereof, 

the said School Master shall be obliged to teach gratis, the Number 
of Children. 

* * * * 

Die Jovis, 9 ho. A. M. Oct. 5, 1732. 

* * * * 

Mr. DeLancey (according to Leave) presented to the House, a Bill, 
entitled, An Act, to encourage a jpublick School, in the City of New- 
York, for teaching Latin, Greek and Mathematlcks ; which was 
read the first Time, and ordered to be read a second Time. 

* * * * 

Die Martis, 9 ho. A. M. Oct. 10, 1732. 

* * * # 

The Bill, entitled, An Act, to encourage a public School [etc., as 
above] ; was read the second Time, and committed to a Committee 
of the whole House. 

* * * * 

Die Jovis, 9 ho. A M. Oct. 12, 1732. 

Mr. Garritsen reported from the Committee of the whole House, 
to whom was refered, the Bill, entitled, [as above] ; That they had 
gone through the Bill, and made several Amendments, and added 
several Clauses thereto, which they had directed him to report to the 
House ; which were read, and agreed unto by the House. 

Ordered, That the Bill with the Amendments and Clauses be 
ingrossed. 

* * * # 

1 Smith's Hist, of N. Y. (Hist. Soc. ed. 1829), ii, 93. 



126 Annals of Public Education 

Die Jovis, 3 ho. P. M. Oct. 12, 1732. 
The engrossed Bill, entitled, [as above] ; was read the third Time. 
Resolved, That the Bill do pass. 

Ordered, That Major Rensselaer do carry the Bill to the Council, 
and desire then* Concurrence thereto. 



At a Councill held at ffort Geo-rge in JSFew York, the Y6 th day of 
October, 1732. 

A Message from the Assembly by Major Van Rensselaer with the 
Bill Entitled, An Act to encourage a publick School in the City of 
New York for teaching Latin, Greek and Mathematics and desiring 
the Concurrence of this Board thereto. 

Ordered, that the said Bill be read 

Then the said Bill was read the 1st time & 

Ordered a second reading. 

Post Meridiem. 
The Bill entitled, An Act [etc., as above] was read a second 
time and committed to the Gentlemen of the Councill or any five of 
them 



M r Harrison Chairman of the Committee (to whom the Bill 
Entitled, An Act [etc., as above] was committed) reported from the 
said Committee that they were ready to make their report thereof 
when this Board wo'd please to receive the Same. 

Ordered, that the said report be made immediately 

Then M r Harrison in his place reported from the Said Committee 
that they had gone through the said Bill without any amendments 

Which report was agreed to & approved of by the Board 

Ordered, that the said Bill be read the third time 

Then the said Bill was read the third time and past without any 
amendments 

Ordered, that M r Harrison do acquaint the House of Representa- 
tives therewith 



[In General Assembly.'] 

Die Sabatii, 9 ho. A. M. Oct. 14, 1732. 
A Message from the Council, by Mr. Harrison, that they had 
agreed to the Bill, entitled, [as above] ; without any Amendments. 
* * * * 

[On the same day, His Excellency, Governor Cosby, gave his 
assent to this and other Bills.] 

The annexed copy of the aforesaid act, is a transcript from the 
original manuscript in the office of the Secretary of State, as we have 
been unable to find it in print : 



in the Statu of New York. 127 

An Act to encourage a Public School in the City of New York for 
teaching Latin, Greek and Mathematicks. 

Whereas, good Learning is not only a very great Accomplishment 
but the properest Means to attain knowledge, Improve the Mind, 
Morality and good Manners, and to make Men better, wiser and 
more useful to their Country as well as to themselves. 

And Whereas, the City and Colony of New York, abounds with 
Youths of a Genius not Inferior to other Countries, it must undoubt- 
edly be a Loss to the Public and a Misfortune to such Youths if they 
are destitute of the Opportunity to improve their Capacities by a 
Liberal Education. 1 

And Whereas, the Mayor and Aldermen and a great Number of 
the principal Inhabitants of the said City of New York have by 
their petition to the General Assembly set forth that One M r . Alex- 
ander Malcolm has by keeping of a private School within the said 
City given a satisfactory proof of his Abilities to teach Latin Greek 
and the Mathematics ; But as the Income of that School does at pre- 
sent fall short of a comfortable Support for himself and his Family 
They humbly pray he may have a suitable Encouragement to keep a 
public School amongst us under such Regulations and Restrictions as 
may answer that End. 

And althd' the not rightly applying of a temporary Salary hereto- 
fore allowed for a Free School, has been the chief Cause that an 
Encouragement for the like Purpose has ever since been neglected ; 
But in as much as the present Circumstances afford a better Prospect, 
and to the End our Youth may not be deprived of the Benefits 
before mentioned, Be it Enacted by his Excellency the Governour the 
Council and the General Assembly, And it is hereby enacted by the 
Authority of the same That there shall be one Public School estab- 
lished and kept in the City of New York to teach Latin, Greek and 
all the Parts of Mathematicks from the First Day of December next 
ensuing to the First Day of December which will be in the year One 
Thousand Seven Hundred and Thirty Seven, and that the above 
named Alexander Malcolm shall be Master thereof during that Time 
under the Regulations and Restrictions, and for the Reward and 
Encouragement herein after mentioned. 

Be it further Enacted by the same Authority that the above 
named School Master or the School Master of such School for the 
Time being, shall for and in Consideration of the Encouragement 
hereinafter mentioned, be and hereby is obleged during the Time 
aforesaid to provide at his own Cost and Charge in the said City of 
New York a proper and convenient House or Room, and therein dur- 
ing the Time and Term aforesaid (Sundays and the usual Holydays 
only excepted) to teach Gratis and without any further or other 
Reward or Consideration from any Person whatever than what is 
allowed to him by this Act, in the best Manner he is able, the Latin 

1 Governor De Witt Clinton, in his discourse before the alumni of Columbia 
College, in 1827, refers to this preamble as a proof that at that early period it 
was thought necessary to -vindicate our country from the aspersions of foreigners. 
See a foot note of Mr. Butler's Discourse, already quoted in Alb. Inst. Trans., i, 179. 



1 28 A XNA LS OF P UBLTC Ed UCA TTON 

and Greek Languages, Arithmetic, and all the other Branches of the 
Mathenuiticks, or in such of them as the said School Master shall be 
ordered and directed by the Persons .hereinafter vested with the 
power to give snch Orders and Directions the Number of Twenty 
Youths in the Proportion following, that is to say 

For the City and County of New York, Ten. For the City and 
County of Albany, Two. For Kings County, One. For Queens 
County, One. For Suffolk County, One. For Westchester County, 
One. For Richmond County, One. For Orange County, One. For 
Ulster County, One; and for Dutchess County One. 

Be it further Enacted by the Authority aforesaid that the Youths 
so to be taught are to be recommended in Manner following, that is 
to say ; For the Cities and Counties of New York and Albany, by 
the Respective Mayors, Recorders and Aldermen thereof. And for 
the several Counties by the Justices at the General Sessions of the 
Peace to be held for those Counties respectively. And in suflh 
Recommendations under their Hands they are respectively to certify 
the Name and Names of such Youth, their age (which is not to be 
under Fourteen Years) and that they have been well instructed in 
Reading and Writing of English. And in such Certificate is to be 
added a Command to the Schoolmaster for the Time being, to receive 
such Youth as a Scholar ; who is accordingly to receive them in his 
School and to teach him or them in such Manner as he by such Cer- 
tificate or Order shall be directed. And the Persons aforesaid are 
hereby impowered and directed not only to grant such Certificates 
and Orders Gratis, But in like Manner from Time to Time to supply 
such Vacancies, as shall or may happen in the said School in the said 
Number of Youths by Death or otherwise during the Continuance of 
the said Act. 

And be it Enacted by the 6ame Authority that if the said 
M r . Malcolm or the School Master for the Time being shall 
at any Time during the Term aforesaid refuse to receive or 
teach the Youths sent to him for that Purpose in the Manner above 
mentioned, it shall absolutely barr him of the Reward by this Act 
allowed to him Provided the Number of such Youths do not exceed 
the Number herein before limited : Nor shall it be deemed a Default 
in him if either of the said Cities or any of the said Counties shall at 
any Time recommend or send a less Number than they hereby have a 
Right to do. 

And to the End the School hereby intended may be duely and 
orderly kept and the aforesaid Scholars well instructed Be it further 
Enacted by the same Authority that the Justices of the Supreme 
Court, The Rector of Trinity Church and the Mayor, Recorder and 
Aldermen of the City of New York for the Time being or the Major 
Part of them shall be and hereby are impowered constituted and 
appointed Visiters of the said School for the Term aforesaid and 
vested with a Power to remove the Master for the Time being for 
Misbehaviour or Neglect of his Duty and upon his Remove to elect 
appoint and establish another in his Place; as also whenever the 
Master's Place is void by any other Means whatsoever during the 
Term aforesaid the Visitors aforesaid or the Major Part of them are 



in the State of New York. 129 

hereby further authorized and empowered to elect appoint and 
establish a Master in such Place so become void ; And the Master so 
by them elected appointed and established shall be entitled to the 
Salary or Reward hereby intended for the Master aforesaid. 

Provided and Be it Enacted by the same Authority that the before 
named Alexander Malcolm hereby appointed Master of the said Pub- 
lic School shall not be removed during the Term aforesaid except for 
Misbehaviour or Neglect of his Duty in the keeping of the said 
School or in teaching of the Youth in Manner aforesaid. 

Arid that the said M r . Malcolm, or the School Master for the Time 
being of the Public School before mentioned may be ennabled to 
provide a proper School and be encouraged to teach the said Number 
of Youth in Manner as aforesaid Be it Enacted by the same Authority 
that after the Money already appropriated in and by an Act Entitled 
An Act for reviving an Act Entitled An Act for Licencing Hawkers 
and Pedlars within this Colony and for paying the Sum of Sixty 
Pounds unto Richard Bradley Esq r passed this present Session shall 
be paid and discharged out of that Fund ; All the Residue of the 
Money that shall arise from thence forward until the First Day of 
December which will be in the Year One Thousand Seven Hundred 
and Thirty Seven by Virtue of the said Act shall be and hereby is 
applied for and towards the Encouragement of such School Master as 
aforesaid. And for the orderly and effectual paying of the same to 
him, The Treasurer of this Colony shall be and hereby is enjoined 
yearly and every Year during the Continuance of the said Act to 
state an Account of that Fund deducting out of the Money that has 
already arisen or may' arise thereby Six Pence in the Pound for his 
receiving alid paying the same, as likewise what by the said Act and 
a former Act he has been directed to pay out of the same : Which 
Account so stated he is hereby further enjoined annually between the 
First and the Tenth Day of December to deliver unto his Excel- 
lency the Governour who is thereupon requested to issue Warrants 
in Council for so much as by such Account shall appear to be in the 
Treasury by Virtue of that Fund payable to the said M r Malcolm, or 
to the Schoolmaster for the time being : Which Warrants the said 
Treasurer is hereby likewise directed from Time to Time to pay and 
discharge out of the said Fund accordingly. 

And for a further Encouragement to the said School Master or the 
School Master for the Time being Be it Enacted- by the Authority 
aforesaid That over and above the Sum or Sums of Money annually 
to be raised in the City of New York, by Virtue of an Act Entitled 
an Act for settling a Ministry and raising a Maintenance for them in 
the City of New York Counties of Richmond Westchester and 
Queens County passed in the Fourth Year of King William and 
Queen Mary there shall at tbe same Time in the same Manner and 
by the same persons be assessed levyed and collected and yearly 
paid to the Treasurer of the said City during the Continuance of this 
Act the Sum of Fowrty Pounds Currant Money of this Colony besides 
the Charge of collecting and paying the same, For which Sum so to 
be annually paid during the said Term the Mayor of the said City 
for the Time being in Common Council convened is yearly to issue 



130 Annals of Public Education 

"Warrants for tlie same on the said City Treasurer payable Quarterly 
to the above named M r Malcolm or the School Master for the Time 
being. And the said Mayor, the said Treasurer and all Persons who 
are to assess levy and collect the above mentioned Tax for the Minis- 
ter and Poor are hereby strictly charged and commanded to act con- 
formable to the true Intent and Meaning of this Clause. 

Always Provided and Be it further Enacted by the same Author- 
ity that whenever the Fund of Hawkers and Pedlars shall during the 
Term aforesaid happen to exceed the Sum of Fourty Pounds per 
Annum such Overplus shall remain in the Treasury, so Nevertheless 
as that the said Sallary for the whole Five Years out of the said Fund 
does not fall short of the Sum of Two Hundred Pounds any Thing 
herein to the contrary thereof notwithstanding. 

And be it further Enacted by the Authority aforesaid That this 
act shall be deemed a public Act and accepted as such in all Courts 
and by all Officers within this Colony. 

City of New York, Die Jovis, 12th October 1732, 
New York Oct 14th 1732 In the Sixth Year of his Majesties Eeign 

I assent to this bill Generall Assembly for the Colony of New York, 

enacting the same & This bill having been Read three times 

order it to be enrolled Resolved That the bill do Pass 

W. COSBY. By order of the Generall Assembly 

A. D. PHILIPSE Speaker 

Die Jovis 12 Oct 1732 This Bill being Passed Ordered, That 
Maj Van Rensselaer do carry the Bill to the Council & desire their 
concurrence thereto. 

G. LUDLOW Clk 

1732, Oct 13 th read the first time and ordered a second reading 
P. M. read a second time and committed. 

14 th reported by M r . Harrison without amendt read y e third time 
& past M r . Harrison to acquaint y e house therewith. 

FREDK MORRIS 

The following newspaper announcements are, for the present at 
least, our only sources of information relative to the internal man- 
agement of Mr. Malcolm's School : 

Alexander Malcolm, Master of the Grammar-School in the City of 
New York, desires to represent to the Publick, the great Disadvan- 
tages to Education, by Scholars who are meer beginners in Latin, 
dropping into a School at different and uncertain times ; The Conse- 
quence of which is, that a Teacher can take charge of but very few, 
since one or two in the same Form of Lesson, take up as much 
time as a dozen, (which is the present case of the School) or he 
must make very slow and tedious Work of it, if there be many. 
Then again, On the Scholars parr [part], this Circumstance make 
their Coming both unpleasant, and consequently lingering, for 
want of Companions of their Studies ; and less successful, for want 
of that Emulation among Scholars in the same Form, which is a great 
Spur to their Application. Upon these Considerations it is, that in 



in tee State of New York. 181 

all well regulated Schools, there are certain stated Times, at which 
only Beginners in Latin are received to school. As the Public 
School in this place begins to thrive, and 'tis hoped, will do so more and 
more, from a growing Sense of the value of Education, and the very- 
apt Genius of your Youth, with the successful Progress many 
have already made (for which an Appeal to proper Judges would be 
gladly submitted to) Mr. Malcolm does therefore hope, the Publick 
will look upon it as a Proposal made for the benefit of their Children, 
That there be a stated time for entering such as are to begin ; and 
tho' once a year, as the most reasonable, is the Method of the best 
Schools in our Mother Country (whom we will not, sure, be ashamed 
of for a Pattern) ahd [and] will be absolutely necessary when this 
School grows Numerous ; yet in the meantime he proposes, Twice a 
year, viz. the Months of February and August, in which he will 
receive meer Beginners in Latin. And as he has laid this Proposal 
before the Visitors of the School, and the same is approved of and 
consented to by them, he Resolves to take none but within these 
Times (excepting such as are fit to joyn some of the Forms that are 
in the School.) 

As the Continuance of this Advertisement for a sufficient Time, 
will give due Information of this useful and necessary Rule, so 
no body can be baulked or disappointed but through their own fault, 
and will therefore have no reason to complain of it, Whoever then 
have Children fit, and designed for the School, will be pleased to 
consider this in time, and contribute what's so easily in their power 
to bring the Publick Education. upon an orderly and advantageous 
footing. 

There having been some Complaints, That the younger Scholars at 
this School are in hazard of losing their Writing, through the loss of 
Time and Diversion, occasioned by their going from one School to 
another. Mr. Malcolm acquaints the Publick, That he has appointed 
a convenient hour every day, in which he Teaches Writing to such 
of his Latin Scholars as think fit to employ him. 

At the said School are Taught all the Branches of the Mathematicks, 
Geometry, Algebra, Geography, Navigation, and Merchants Book- 
keeping after the most Perfect manner. [New-York Gazette, Numb. 
480 2 , Dec. 30 to Jan. 7, 1734.] 

Some Persons Having been Disapprehended, because of their hav- 
ing either forgot, or never seen the Advertisement that was formerly 
made upon settling the Time of receiving into the Publick Grammar 
School established in the City of New York, such S[c]holars as are 
now Beginners. The Publick is hereby again Informed That there 
are two Time a year apponted for Receiving such Scholars, Yiz, 
The Months of August and February, such Schollars as are fit for 
any of the Classes will be received at any time. [New- York Gazette, 
Numb. 560 4 , July 18 to 25, 1736.] 

The foregoing act of Oct. 14, 1732, having expired by its own 
limitation,, on the 1st day of December, 1737, an act embodying the 
same general provisions, but limited to the term of one year from the 



132 Annals of Public Education 

same date, was passed by the General Assembly. A strenuous oppo- 
sition to the bill, while pending in the General Assembly, is indicated 
by the fact that the ayes and noes on two substantive motions in the 
committee of the whole are entered upon the Journal, and that one 
of these motions, that for continuing the appropriation from the 
Hawkers and Pedlars' Fund, prevailed by a majority of but one 
vote ; the other, authorizing New York city to assume its share of 
the pecuniary burden, gained a majority of seven. 

The Journal record is as follows (omitting routine items suffi- 
ciently indicated by memoranda annexed to the act as hereafter 
given) : 

[In General Assembly.'] 

Die Mortis, 3 ho. P. M. Oct. 18, 1737. 

* * * * 

Simon Johnson, Esq ; moved for Leave to bring in a Bill to con- 
tinue an Act of the General Assembly of this Colony, entitled, An 
Act, to encourage a public School in the City and County of New 
York, for teaching Latin, Greek, and Mathematicks. 
Ordered, That Leave be given to bring in a Bill accordingly. 

* * •* * 

Die Mercurij, 3 ho. P. M. Nov. 30, 1737. 

The House resolved itself into a Committee of the whole House, 
upon the Bill, entitled, [as above] ; after some Time spent therein, 

A Motion was made, by David Jones, Esq ; and the Question was 
put, whether Mr. Malcolm, the Latin School Master, be allowed 
Forty Pounds, per Ann. out of the Moneys to arise, by Virtue of the 
Act, for licensing Hawkers and Pedlers within this Colony. 

For the Affirmative. For the Negative. 

Col. Matthews, Adolph Philipse, Esq ; 

Capt. Livingston, Col. Beekman, 

Mr. Abraham Lot, David Jones, Esq : 

James Alexander, Esq; John Walter, Esq ; 

Mr. Speaker [Lewis Morris, Jr.], Col. Hicks, 

Col. Schuylw, Col. Chambers, 

Capt, Winhe, Mr. Tur Boss, 

Capt. Brat, John Lecount, Esq ; 

Johannis Lot, Esq ; Mr. Ilardenbergh, 

Mr. Verplank, David Pierson, 

Col. Philipse [Frederick], Major Piatt, 
Col. Morris [Lewis Morris, Sen.], Major Mott. 
Col. Rensselaer. 

It's carried in the Affirmative. 

A motion was made, and the Question was put, whether Mr. Mal- 
colm, the Latin School Master, be allowed Forty Pounds, per Ann. 
from the City of New York. 



in the State of New York. 133 

For the Affirmative. For the Negative. 

[The same as on the former motion, [The same as on the former 

except Mr. Abraham Lot,] ; also, motion, except David 

Mr. Ilardenbergh, Jones, Esq; Col. 

Col. Hicks, Hicks; Mr. Harden- 

David Jones, Esq ; • bergh; and David 

David Pierson. Piersori] ; also, Mr. 

Abraham Lot. 
It's carried in the Affirmative. 

A motion was made, and the Question wag put, whether Mr. Mal- 
colm's Salary be continued for a longer Time than one Year % 
It's carried in the Negative. 

■* * * * 

Die Jovis, 3 ho. P. M. Dec. 1, 1737 

* # * * 

The House resolved itself into a Committee of the whole House, 
upon the Bill, entitled, [as above] ; after some Time spent therein, 
Mr. Speaker resumed the Chair ; and /Simon Johnson, Esq ; reported 
from the Committee, That they had gone through the Bill, altered 
the Title, made several Amendments, and added several Clauses 
thereto ; which they had directed him to report, when the House will 
please receive the same. 

Ordered, That the Report be now received. 

Simon Johnson, Esq ; accordingly reported the Amendments and 
Clauses, which the Committee had made to the Bill, and which they 
had directed him to report to the House ; and he read the Report in 
his Place, and afterwards delivered the Bill, with the Amendments 
and Clauses in at the Table; where the same was again read, and 
agreed to by the House. 

Ordered, That the Bill, with the Amendments and Clauses be 
ingrossed. 

* # * # 

The following copy of the act under consideration, which is nearly 
identical in its recitals and provisions with that of Oct. 14, 1732, is a 
transcript of the original manuscript in the Office of the Secretary 
of State : 

An Act for the further Encouragement of a Public School in the 
City of New York for Teaching Lattin Greek & Mathematics 

Whereas an Act of the General Assembly of this Colony Passed 
in the Sixth year of his present Majisties Reign Intituled an Act to 
Encourage a Public School in the City of New York for Teaching 
Lattin Greek and Mathematics is Expired by its own Limitation. 

And whereas a Liberal Education is not only a very great Accom- 
plishment but the Properest means to attain to knowledge Improve 
the mind Morality & good Manners and to make men Better wiser 
and more usef nil to their Country, as well as to themselves 

And whereas the City and Colony of New York abounds with 
youths of a Genius not Inferiour to other Countries, it must undoubt- 
edly be a Loss to the Publick and a Misfortune to such youths if they 



134 Annals of Public Education 

are destitute of the opportunity to Improve their Capacities by Edu- 
cation 

And whereas M r . Alexander Malcolm the Present publick School 
Master has given Satisfactory proof of his abilities to Teach Lattin 
Greek & the Mathematicks, But as the Income of that School Falls 
Short of a comfortable Support for himself & Family. It is there- 
fore conceived reasonable that a Suitable Encouragement Should be 
given and Provided by the Publick, under such Regulations & 
Restrictions as may Effectually answer the good Ends ifc Purposes 
thereby proposed. 

Be it therefore Enacted by his Honour the Lieutenant Governour 
the Council and the General Assembly, and it is hereby Enacted by 
the Authority of the Same, that there shall be one Publick School 
Established and kept in the City of New York to Teach Lattin 
Greek and all the Parts of the Mathematicks from the first day of 
December in this present year one thousand Seven hundred & thirty 
Seven, to the first Day of December then next ensuing, and that 
the above named Alexander Malcolm shall be the Master thereof 
During that time under the Regulations & Restrictions & for the 
rewards and encouragement hereinafter & in an act Intituled an 
Act for Licencing Hawkers & Pedlars within this Colony is Men- 
tioned. 

And be it further Enacted by the authority aforesaid that the above 
named School Master or the School Master of such School for the 
time being Shall for & in Consideration of the Reward & Encourage- 
ment hereinafter and in the last mentioned Act be and hereby is 
obliged during the time aforesaid to provide at his own Cost & 
Charge in the City of New York a proper <fc Convenient House or 
Room & therein during the time and Term aforesaid (Sundays and 
the usual Holy days only excepted) To teach Gratis, and without any 
farther reward or consideration from any Person whatsoever than 
what is allowed to him by this Act in the best manner He is able, 
the Lattin & Greek Languages, arithmetick & all other Branches of 
the Mathematicks, or in such of them as the Said School Master shall 
be ordered & Directed by the Persons hereinafter vested with the 
Power to give such orders & Directions the number of Twenty 
youths in the Proportion following that is to say — 

For the City & County of New York Ten, For the City and 
County of Albany Two, For Kings County, one For Queens County 
one, For Suffolk County one For West Chester one, For Richmond 
one For Orange County one, For Ulster County one, & For Dutchess 
County one. 

And be it further Enacted by the authority aforesaid that the 
youths so to be Taught are to be recommended in manner following. 
That is to say For the Cities & Counties of New York & Albany, by 
the respective Mayors, Recorders & Aldermen thereof, and for the 
Several Counties by the Justices at the General Sessions of the Peace 
to be held for those Counties respectively and in Such Recommenda- 
tions under their hands, They are respectively to certifie the name 
& names of^ such youth or youths his and their age (which is not to 
be under nine years) and that They have been well Instructed in 



in the State of New York. 135 

reading & writting of English & in such certificate is to be added a 
Command to the School Master for the time being to receive Such 
youth or youths as a Scholar or Scholars who is accordingly to 
receive him or them into his School, and to Teach him or them in 
Such manner, as he by Such Certificate or Order shall be directed 
and the Persons aforesaid are hereby Impowered and Directed not 
only to Grant Such Certificates & orders Gratis But in like manner 
from time to time to Supply Such Vacancies as shall or may happen 
in the Said School in the Said Number of Youths, by Death or 
otherwise during the Continuance of this Act. 

And be it Enacted by the Same authority, that if the Said M r . 
Malcolm or the School Master for the time being Shall at any time 
during the Term aforesaid, Kefuse to Eeceive or Teach the Youths 
Sent to him for that Purpose, in the manner above mentioned, It 
shall absolutely Barr him of the reward by this act allowed to him, 
Provided the number of Such Youths do not exceed the number 
herein before Limited, nor shall it be deemed a default in him, if the 
said Cities or Counties Shall at any time Recommend or send a Less 
number than They hereby have a Right to do. And to the end the 
School hereby Intended, may be duly & orderly kept, and the afore- 
said scholars well Instructed 

Be it further Enacted by the Same authority, That the Justices of 
the Supream Court, t he Rector of Trinity. Church , and the Mayor 
Recorder & aldermen of the City of New York for the time being or 
the Major part of Them, Shall be & hereby are Impowered consti- 
tuted and appointed Visitors of the Said School for the Term afore- 
said, and Vested with a Power to remove the Master for the Time 
being for Misbehaviour or Neglect of his Duty, and upon his removal 
to Elect Appoint & Establish another in his Place, as also whenever 
the Masters Place is void by any other means whatsoever during the 
term aforesaid, the Visitors aforesaid or the Major part of them are 
hereby further authorized & Impowered to Elect appoint & Establish 
a Master in such Place so become void, and the Master so by them 
Elected, Appointed & Established, Shall be Intituled to such Propor- 
tion of the Salary or Reward during the time of his Service as the 
Master aforesaid have been, had he continued. 

Provided and be it Enacted by the Same authority that the before 
named Alexandar Malcolm hereby appointed master of the said Pub- 
lic School Shall not be removed during the term aforesaid, Except for 
Misbehaviour or Neglect of his Duty in the keeping of the Said School 
or in teaching of the Youths in manner aforesaid. 

And for the further Encouragement of the Said School Master or 
the School Master for the time being 

-Be it Enacted by the authority aforesaid, that over and above the 
Sum or Sums of Money annually to be raised in the City of New 
York by Virtue of an act Intituled an act for Settling a Ministry and 
raising a Maintenance for them in the City of New York, Counties 
of Richmond, West Chester & Queens County, Passed in the fourth 
year of King William & Queen Mary, There Shall at the same time 
in the Same Manner & by the Same Persons be assessed Levyed and 
Collected & Paid to the Treasurer of the Said City, during the con- 



136 Annals of Public Education 

tinuance of this act the Sum of Forty Pounds Currant Money of this 
Colony, besides the Charge of Collecting & Paying the Same, For 
which Sum so to be paid during the Said Time, the Mayor of the 
Said City, for the time being, in Common Council Convened is to 
Issue Warrants for the Same, on the City Treasurer Payable Quar- 
terly to the above named Mr. Malcolm or the School Master for the 
time being, and the Said Mayor the Said Treasurer, and all Persons 
who are to Assess Levy and Collect the above mentioned Tax for the 
Minister & Poor are hereby Strictly Charged & Commanded to act 
Conformable to the true Intent & meaning of this Clause. 

And be it further Enacted by the authority aforesaid that this act, 
Shall be Deemed a Public act and accepted as Such in all courts, & 
by all officers within this Colony. 

City of New York Die Sabati 3 d December 1737. 
In the Eleventh Year of his Ma'tys reign General Assembly for 
the Colony of New York This Bill having been read three times 
Resolved that this Bill do Pass. 

LEWIS MORRIS JunT Speaker. 
New York December the 16 th 1737 

I Assent to this Bill enacting the same and order it to be enrolled. 

GEO CLARKE 
[Endorsed] " Die Sabati 3 d Decembe r 1737. 
"This Bill being Passed 

" Ordered That Capt Winne do carry the Bill to the council & 
" desire their concurrence thereto LUDLOW CI 

[In Council.'] 
" 1737 — Deer. 6 th read the l Bt time and ord a 2 d reading. — 7 th read 
" a 2 d time & remitted — 8 th reported by M r . Horsmanden without 
" amendment & ordered a 3 d reading— 9 th read 3 d time & passed 

On the day of the final passage of the foregoing act by the Coun- 
cil (ten days prior to its approval by the acting Governor), a petition 
from Mr. Malcolm, for relief, in respect to a deficiency in the fund 
set apart for a moiety of his salary, was presented to the General 
Assembly, and adverse action was taken thereon, as appears by the 
following extract from the Journal : 

[In General Assembly.'] 

Die Jlartis, 3 ho. P. M. Dec. 6, 1737. 
# # * * 

A Petition of Alexander Malcolm, was presented to the House, 
and read, setting forth, That by Virtue of an Act of General 
Assembly, passed in the Year 1732, he was intitled to Eighty 
Pounds, per Annum, for five Years ; whereof Forty Pounds yearly, 
was laid upon the Fund of the Pedlers License, and that by Failure 
of said Fund, there is now a Deficiency unpaid to him of One Hun- 
dred and Fifteen Pounds, Two Shillings and Six-pence, therefore 



in the State of New York. 187 

humbly prays this honourable House will order the Payment of said 
Deficiency, and relieve him from the Difficulty of so great a Disap- 
pointment. 

And a Debate arising thereupon, 

A Motion was made, and the Question was put, whether the afore- 
said One Hundred and Fifteen Pounds, Two Shillings and Six-pence ', 
be a Debt due from this Colony \ 

For the Affirmative. For the Negative. 

Simon Johnson, Esq ; Col. Schuyler, did not vote. 

James Alexander, Esq ; Col. Chambers, 

Capt. Livingston, David Jones, Esq ; 

Col. Morris, John Walter, Esq ; 

Capt. Winne, Mr. Hardenbergh, 

Col. Rensselaer, Jacobus Turboss, Esq ; 

Mr. Verplanck. Major Mott, 

John Lecount, Esq ; 
Johannis Lot, Esq ; 
Mr. Abraham Lot. 
Col. Flicks, 
Col. Matthews, 
Mr. Peirsen, 
Major Piatt, 
Adolphe Philipse, Esq, 
Col. Beekman, 
Capt. Bratt, 
It's carried in the Negative. 

A Motion was made, and the Question was put, whether the Peti- 
tion be rejected ? 

For the Affirmative. For the Negative. 

[The members voting for the [The members voting for the Affir- 
Negative, on the former mative on the former motion] ; 

motion.] also, Col. Schuyler. 

It's carried in the Affirmative. 

Ordered, That the said Petition be rejected accordingly. 

Governor Clarke's views on this subject are indicated by the follow- 
ing extracts from a letter to the Lords of Trade : 

New York June 2, 1738. 
My Lords 
I do myself the honor to send to your Lord ps the Acts of Assem- 
bly passed last Session. ... I beg leave to mention the titles of 
the Acts, and to make such remarks on them as I presume to hope 

may give your Lordships satisfaction. 

* * * * 

N° 21. An Act for the further encouragement of a publick school 

[etc]. 
N° 22. An Act to restrain Hawkers and Pedlars [etc.] 
Being confident that publick schools for the education of youth will 

always find countenance from your Lordships I will lay the last two 



138 Annals of Public Education 

Bills before you without any further remarks in their favour ; I wish, 
the Assembly had made the reward greater than it is like to be, from 
the last of these Bills, that money was apply'd before, to the like 
use but fell short of the sum intended, nor could the School master 
get any redress tho he petition'd for it or got some of his friends to 
move the house in his behalf; it is not likely it will bring in more 
now however the master having at present no other way of living is 

obliged to submit. 

* # -* # 

Geo : Clarke. 1 

Mr. Malcolm subsequently renewed his petition for the same 
object, with probably deserved success: 

[In General Assembly.] 

Die Jovis, 3 ho. P. M. Oct. 16, 1740. 

The Memorial and Petition of Alexander Malcolm, was presented 
to the House, and read, setting forth, That the General Assembly of 
this Colony, the 9th of August 1732, taking into Consideration, the 
great Use and Yalue of Education and Learning, with the proper 
Means thereof in this Country, and the Necessity of publick Schools, 
passed a Bill, establishing a publick School in the City of New- York, 
for the Space of five Years, for teaching the Latin and Greek Lan- 
guages and Mathematicks, and appointed your Petitioner Master 
thereof, allowing a yearly Salary of Eighty Pounds Currency, viz. 
Forty Pounds, to be paid by a Tax raised on the City of New- York ; 
and Forty Pounds, to be paid out of the Money arising from the 
Fund of Pedlers and Hawkers ; but at the Expiration of the said live 
Years, that Fund was deficient One Hundred and Eleven Pounds, 
Two Shillings and Six-pence, of the Salary to be paid out of it, for 
the whole Time; whereupon the Promises considered of a faithful 
discharge of a laborious and important Service to the Country, the 
said Petitioner relies upon the Justice and Equity of the honourable 
House, for such a Relief, as is agreeable to the Nature of the Case. 

A Motion was made, and the Question was put, whether Mr. Mal- 
colm, had according to the Act, entitled, An Act, to encourage a pub- 
lic School in this City of New- York, for teaching Latin, Greek and 
M.athematicks ; an equitable Demand for Arrearages set forth by 
his Petition ? It was carried in the Affirmative, in Maimer folio w- 
wit. 

For the Affirmative. For the Negative. 

Col. Morris, Mr. Nicol, 

Col. Schuyler, Mr. Lecount, 

Col. Moore, Mr. Gale, 

Col. Philijyse, Mr. Turboss, 

Mr. Purdy, Mr. Pierson, 

Capt, Winne, Mr. Hardenbergh, 

Mr. Bradt, Mr. Abraham Lott, 

1 N. Y. Col. Doc, vi, 117-119. 



in the State of New York. 139 

For the Affirmative. For the Negative. 

Col. Rensselaer -, Mr. Cornel, 

Mr. Ludlow, Mr. Jones, 

Mr. Stihoell, 
Col. Lott, 
Capt. Livingston, 
Col. Beekman, 
Mr. Clarkson, 

A comparison of this vote with that of Dec. 6, 1737, on the same 
question, shows that of fifteen members present on both occasions, 
three, viz., Mr. Bradt, Col. Lott and Col. Beekman, changed their 
votes in favor of the petitioner, and that among the old members he 
thus secured a majority of two. The members voting only on the 
latter occasion stood six affirmative to three negative, making a total 
majority of five in favor of discharging the amount claimed by the 
worthy schoolmaster, who seems, however, to have lost the. use of his 
money for at least three years. 

The General Assembly at once formally confirmed the foregoing 
vote by the adoption of the following resolution and order : 

Resolved, That said Arrears be discharged by the Act, entitled, 
An Act, to restrain Hawkers and Pedlers within this Colony, from, 
selling without Licence. 

Ordered, That Col. Beekman and Col. Morris, prepare and bring 
in a Bill, to pay unto the Rev. Mr. Malcolm, the Sum of One Hun- 
dred and Eleven Pounds, Seven Shillings and Six-pence, out of the 
Funds for licensing Hawkers and Pedlers. 

•* * * * 

Die Veneris, 9 ho. A. M. Oct. 17, 1740. 
Col. Morris (according to Order) presented to the House, a Bill, 
entitled, An Act, to pay unto the Rev. Mr. Alexander Malcolm, the 
Sum of One Hundred and Eleven Bounds, Seven Shillings and Six- 
pence, out of the Funds for licensing Hawkers and Pedlers ; which 
was read the first Time, and ordered a second Reading. 
* * * * 

This bill was duly enacted into a law, of which the following is a 
copy, from the original manuscript on file in the office of the Secre- 
tary of State : 

An Act to pay to the Reverend Mister Alexander Malcolm, The Sum 
of One Hundred and Eleven pounds, Seven Shillings and six pence, 
out of the fund therein mentioned. 

"Whereas The General Assembly by an Act passed in the Sixth 
Year of his present Majestyes Reign Entituled An Act to Encour- 
age a publick School in the City of New York for Teaching Latin, 
Greek and Mathematicks ; which act was to Continue and be of force 
for five Years, in which act among other things it is enacted, that 



140 



Annals of /'mime Education 



Alexander Malcolm shall be the Schoolmastor of the Said Publick 
School, and as Reward for that Service it is by the Said Act provided 

and enacted, That out of the fund ol* Hawkers and pedlars ho shall 

Receive a Sum for the Said five Years not less than Two hundred 
pounds; andtheactfor Licencing hawkers and pedlars not bringing 
in Sufficient to discharge the Said Sum of Two hundred pounds and 
the General Assembly conceiving. That the pari of the Two hundred 

pounds that remains Yet Unpaid to the Said Alexander Malcolm, is 

a just debt <hi(> from this Colony; and it appearing by the Treas- 
urer's accounts that there is Still Unpaid, The Sum of One hundred 

Eleven pounds Seven Shillings and Six pence 

Be it therefore Unacted by his honour The Lieutenant Governour 

The Council and the Genera] Assembly and it is hereby Enacted by 
the authority of the Same, That out of the Monies arisen and to 
arise by an Act Unt itulod, an Act to restrain Hawkers and pedlars 
within' this Colony from Selling without Licence, passed in the 
Thirteenth Year of his Majesties Reign, The Treasurer Shall pay to 
the said Alexander Malcolm or Order the Sum of One hundred 

Eleven pounds Seven Shillings and six pence In manner following, 

That is to Say Ten dayes after the publication of this Act all the 
Money already in the Treasury, arisen l»y the aforesaid Act of Hawk- 
ers and pedlars, and so every six Months thereafter Until the whole 

.sum of one hundred Eleven pounds Seven Shillings and Six pence is 

paid, and his Receipts Shall he to the said Treasurer a, Sufficient dis- 
charge for so much Money 

New York Nov' 28 1740 
I assent to this Bill enacting the 

Same and order it to he enrolled 
(iUoCUAUKU 



City of New York Die Lunse 

20 th October 1740. 
In the Fourteenth year of His 
Matys reign General Assembly 

for the Colony of New York This 
bill having been read Three times 
Resolved, This hill do I'ass. 
1) PHILTPSE Speaker. 



[ indorsed | An Ac i to Uav the 
Reverend M' Alexander Malcolm 
the Sum of L'l 1 1 : ?8ld6 out of the 
Fund therein Mentioned. 

Die Luna 20 th Octo.1740 
This hill being Passed 

Ordered 
That W Yerplank & M?01arkson 

do carry this Hill to the Council and desire their Ooncurencc thereto. 

GEO. DUNCAN 01. 
P. M : 1710. October 23 d : read L Bt time<& ordered a second read 



mai 



. Ill . I i "t ' '. v Tiooei ~< > . n .in i i 1 1 1 u ub i >i i ii i eu a gcuuuu icauiug' 

. M : l'7"' read a second time & committed reported by M 1 ' Eors- 
iden w ,h out amendm 1 & ordered a third reading 

|t Ul read the third time A: passed 
It does not appear, unless from the act itself, in what specific way 

Mr. Malcolm became possessed ol' that portion ol' his salary, payable 
from the "Hawkers and Pedlars' Fund;" hut we havefull informa- 
tion SO far as relates to the portion paid by the corporation of N. Y. 



m the State of New York. 141 

city, viz., by quarterly Warrants on the Treasurer, issued by the 
Mayor, on the order of the Common Council, as appears from then 
Minutes. The following is a copy of the first order of the Common 
Council, relative to this subject, dated June 8, 1733 : 

Ordered that the Mayor Issue his Warrant to the Treasurer to pay 
unto M r Alexander Malcolm the Public Schoolmaster of this City or 
Order the Sum of ten pounds curr* Money of this Colony out of the 
Moneys in his hands liaised by vertue of an act of General Assembly 
of this Colony made in the sixth year of his present Majesty s Reign 
entitled an Act to encourage a Publick School in the City of New 
York for Teaching Latin, Greek and Mathematicks, it being in full 
of one Quarter of a years Reward or Sallary due to the said Alex- 
ander Malcolm and ending the first day of this Instant June. 1 
* * * * 

Similar orders were given at regular intervals, for a period of ser- 
vice ending Dec. 1, 1738, at which time the second act providing for 
the support of the school expired by its own limitation. From this 
time we hear nothing further concerning either the school or the 
school master, except Mr. Butler's statement that the act of 1737 
" was not afterwards renewed ; but the school was again continued, 
and is said to have formed the germ of Columbia College." 2 

But for the grievances set forth in the annexed petition, it is doubt- 
ful whether the petitioner would have been known to us as one of 
the schoolmasters of his time : 

To His Excellency George Clark Esq r Lieut 1 Governor of the Prov- 
ince of New York &c. 

The Humble Petition of Walter Hetherington 
May it Please your Excellency to Know that I your Petitioner 
have of Late been a School-master at the Ferry and thanks be to 
God have given Satisfaction to most persons in the Education of 
their Children till by the Instigation of others they did Last May 
procure another to set up the profession in Oposition to me, and Last 
week two of my Neighbors viz 1 John Stockford and Samuel Hopson 
Butchers having some Difference together the said John Stockford 
Cursing and Swearing in a most horrid Manner your Petitioner inter- 
cepted thinking to be a Mediator of peace and he immediately ns'd 
me in the Like manner Swearing revenge against me and without 
farther provocation as by Sufficient Evidence may appear rashly 
applied to Christopher Codwsse Essq r (a person very much animated 
against me) in the Nature of asking his advice who told him to come 
the next Day and the said Codwise being then in a Hurry to come 
over to New York told him to come to him at Night but ere 
the said Codwise return'd which was about Ten o'clock the said 

1 Minutes of the Common Council (MS.), iv, 303. 

2 Alb. Inst. Trans., i, 178, 179. 



142 Annals of Public Education 

John Stockford and his Family was in Bed. But the said Cod- 
wise sent to call him to him to M rs Coimsell's at the Ferry House 
and he called him aside and advis'd him to Swear the peace 
against your Petitioner and that he was in Danger of his Life 
and if he would come to his house the next Morning he would 
give him his Oath with advice. Your Petit 1 ' 8 Wife (We living 
under the same Roof) overheard the said Stockford declare to 
his Wife at his return from Mr. Codwise and he accordingly went 
the next Morning and took his Oath Whereupon the said Codwise 
Issued out a Warrant against your Petitioner who being a Native of 
England and unacquainted with the Laws and Customs of this Colony 
have since kept out of their Way But now your Petitioner is informed 
that he the said Codwise hath granted a Warrant of Contempt ; 
Whereupon your Petif was advis'd to make his application to Sam- 
uel Garitson Esq r the Late Judge of the Sessions for the County who 
will'd me to Draw a Petition to your Excellency Wherefore your 
Petitioner most Humbly beseecheth your Excellency out of your Great 
Compassion and Goodness to allay the Great Troubles 1 have met 
with and am Like to be Plung'd into by the Unmerciful hands I have 
to deal with Your Petitioner not being in a Capacity to Contest 
with them in Law Your Petitioners Wife together with two Small 
Children being now destitute of Relief She hath been with the said 
Codwise and told him she intended This who imperiously replied 
, you Do you Tantalize me with the Governour whereby I 
Leave it to your Excellency's Consideration what will become of me 
and my poor Family without some Mitigation from your Excellency 
for your Petitioner who beggs leave to Subscribe himself your 
Excellency's 

Most Obedient Humble Servant 

W. IIETHERIKGTON 
Endorsed, 

Petition of Walter Hetherington agt Christopher Codwise. 9 
Aug 8t 1739 Copy of this to Mr. Codwise. 1 

It having been previously shown that during the Dutch adminis- 
tration all persons were restrained from teaching school without official 
license, and that the early English Governors were also instructed to 
enforce a like requirement, it remains to add, that this regulation 
seems to have fallen into disuse during Governor Hunter's adminis- 
tration, the latest license we have seen being that issued by him to 
Allane Jarratt, in 1712, as heretofore given. Whether this came to 
be regarded as an arbitrary requirement, which could not well be 
enforced in a province rapidly advancing toward free institutions, or 
whether some other consideration prevailed with the crown and its 
officers, we do not propose to inquire ; but barely allude to the fact 
above stated, for the sake of remarking that no legislative act to that 

1 N. Y. Col. MSS., lxxii, 120. 



in the State of New York. 143 

effect was ever passed in this Province, and that a bill introduced in 
the Council for the purpose of reviving this restriction, seems to have 
been dropped in the committee of the whole, as appears from the 
following record : • 

[In Council.'] 
Monday, February the 17th, 1745^. M. 

* * * * "" 

The Hono ble Archibald Kennedy moved for leave to bring in a Bill 
" to Restrain all Dancing Masters Schoolmasters or Teachers of Youth 
in any Art or Science from Teaching without License & taking the 
oaths'" 

Ordered, that*Leave be given accordingly 

Pursuant whereto a Bill was presented to the Council Entituled, 
"An Act to restrain " [etc., as above] 

Then the said Bill was read the 1 st time & 

Ordered a second reading 

* * * * 

Tuesday, February the 18th, 1745, P. M. 

* * * * 

Then the said Bill [entitled as above] was read the 2 d time & 
Ordered to be committed : [but seems never to have been reported 
upon.] 

* * * * 

The establishment of " the first grammar school in the State west 
of Albany," is supposed (in the absence of original records) to have 
occurred at Cherry Valley, as early as 1743 or 1744. The event is 
thus chronicled by a local historian, the Hon. ¥m. W. Campbell : 

Mr. [Rev. Samuel] Dunlop, having received a classical education, 
opened a school for the instruction of boys, who came from the set- 
tlements upon the Mohawk, and from Schenectady and Albany. It 
is worthy of remark, that this was the first grammar school in the 
State west of Albany. The boys were received into his house, and 
constituted a part of his family. The extreme simplicity of the 
times may be learned from the fact that they often went into the 
fields, and there recited their lessons as they followed their instructor 
about while engaged in his usual avocations upon his farm ; several 
individuals along the Mohawk, who were afterwards conspicuous in 
the Revolution, thus received the first rudiments of their education. 1 

Judge Campbell informs us that " the Freys and Yateses, of the 
Mohawk Valley, were educated by Mr. Dunlop, before the revolu- 
tionary war ; " and that " all the local records perished when Cherry 
Valley was destroyed." 

For some further account of the life of Rev. Sam'l Dunlop, see 

1 Campbell's Annals of Tryon County, pp. 23, 24. See, also, Proceedings of the 
Albany Institute, i, 189. 



144 Annals of Public Education 

Campbell's Annals, pp. 21, 22, 97, 99, 112, 113 ; also a letter from 
Mr. D. to Sir Wm. Johnson, dated Cherry Valley, Dec. 25, 1763, 
soliciting protection for that town from the Indians. 1 

The " School of the Reformed Protestant Dutch Church, in the 
City of New York," of which we had considerable to say in connec- 
tion with the "Annals of Education in New Netherlands is scarcely 
mentioned in the extant records of the period embraced in the present 
chapter, though it will hereafter claim a larger share of notice. For 
the present, we barely quote a few paragraphs from Dunshee's His- 
tory of this School : 

RECAPITULATION [of Ch. III.] 

The disseveration of the Dutch Church from the Colonial Govern- 
ment, the absence of Consistorial records, and there being no news- 
papers as yet established, the information respecting the School for 
several years after the Capitulation [1664] is necessarily very limited; 
but, identified with the Dutch Church as an institution of long 
cherished inheritance, she could not dispense with it, without the 
violation of principles and feelings totally incompatible with her con- 
stitution and aims. 

* * * -* 

1665. — Evert Pietersen, who was appointed in 1661, continued to 
teach at least one year after the Capitulation. 

1705. — Upon the existence of a vacancy, Lord Cornbury claimed 
the right of appointing the schoolmaster, notwithstanding the clause 
in the incorporation-act of William III (1696,) reserving this right 
to the ministers and Consistory. This claim led to a meeting of the 
Great Consistory, who determined to preserve their chartered privi- 
leges inviolate. 

1726. — Barent De Foreest, schoolmaster. 

1743. — Huybert Van Wagenen, previously appointed, kept the 
School, corner of Marketfield and Broad streets (1746). He was 
chorister for the Old and New Churches, alternately. Resigned, 1749. 
. Neither the date of Barent De Foreest's resignation, nor 
of Mr. Van Wagenen's appointment as schoolmaster, can be now 
definitely ascertained. * * * 

The population having extended "far up town," the deacons 
opened a school in Cortlandt street, of which Abraham Delanoy was 
appointed teacher. He commenced with ten Scholars, receiving from 
Consistory, in quarterly payments, the amount of money and fire- 
wood which Mr. Van Wagenen received for the same number. The 
catechetical instruction in the Garden Street Church was attended to 
by Mr. Van Wagenen, and in the Middle Church by Mr. Delanoy. 2 

* * * * 

The attention of Consistory having been engrossed for some time 
with other subjects of paramount importance, we find no direct refer- 

1 Sir Wm. Johnson MSS. (N. Y. State Library), viii, 63. 
2 Dunshee's History of the School, etc., pp. 58, 73, 74. 



in the State of New York. 145 

ence to the School in their records until the year 1743 ; when com- 
mences a series of minutes, from which we are able to furnish a full 
and uninterrupted chain of interesting facts, respecting the size and 
progress of the school, with a complete list of the Schoolmasters up 
to the present day. 1 

It appears from Hon. Henry P. Hedges' " Two Hundredth Anni- 
versary Address at East Hampton, L. I.," that that town was settled 
about 1650, and that among the early associates of the first settlers 
was one Charles Barnes, who was the first schoolmaster, the date of 
whose period of service is not stated, (pp. 4, 5.) It is further stated 
that the "Town Meeting" or "General Court" provided school 
teachers, and made regulations for the education of the youth, and 
that the salary of the schoolmaster was £33 per annum. Idem, p. 10. 

Mr. Hedges and his relative, Dr. John C. Hedges, have made 
recent search, at our request, among the town records of East Hamp- 
ton, but they fail to find anything further on this subject, or even 
the originals referred to in the aforesaid anniversary address. 

A recently published volume of "Chronicles of Easthampton," by 
David Gardiner, gives somewhat fuller information in regard to Charles 
Barnes, and the general condition of education in that town, though 
the original authorities are not cited. We quote extracts as follows : 

One of the greatest cares of the settlers after, providing for their 
families a comfortable establishment, was the erection of a school 
house, and the engagement of teachers. At first the teacher received 
£30 sterling a year, and to induce a general attendance at school of 
the children of the settlement, a small part only of the whole charge 
was fixed upon the scholars, and the residue collected by a general 
tax upon the inhabitants. Charles Barnes, one of the first settlers, 
was for a number of years the instructor. He was the son of William 
Barnes, a gentleman of East winch, in the County of Norfolk, Eng- 
land, who died in 1663, leaving him a portion of his estate. Barnes 
was succeeded by James Holdworth in '73, and he by Peter Benson, 
of the West Riding of Yorkshire, on Long Island, who was employed 
at the increased salary of £50 sterling a year. In 1682, the school 
consisted of twenty-nine scholars. 

The great importance of education and the necessity of competent 
teachers, was a subject which had very seriously occupied the minds 
of the magistrates ; and their efforts, seconded by those of the inhabi- 
tants, had been sedulously and successfully devoted to the mainte- 
nance of a sufficient school. These efforts, which for a series of years 
were sustained at the charge of the town, gave such impulse to the 
desire of instruction, that the school house was seldom vacant. The 
standard of education was not at this period very high, but it was at 
least equal to that which prevailed over a great part of the country, 

'Dunshee's History of the School, etc., p. 58. 
10 



146 Annals of Public Education 

and fully sufficient for the transaction of business in the ordinary 
concerns of life. Limited as their sources of knowledge were, it was 
through them that this small community became, as the public records 
abundantly attest them to have been, so well acquainted with their 
political rights and so watchful in sustaining them. So deeply 
impressed were they with the importance of education to the pros- 
perity of the colony, so sensibly did they feel that the efforts of their 
little community were altogether inadequate to provide even within 
its own small circle the proper means of intellectual improvement, 
that the people of this town, as early as 1678, called the attention of 
the established government to the importance of providing capable 
teachers. A resolution in the following words was proposed and 
adopted in that year, at a public meeting of the inhabitants. " It 
was agreed by a majority vote to refer the necessary employment of 
teachers, to the right honorable, the governor, and Court of Assizes." 
No public provisions, however, appear to have been made. 1 

* * As early as 1711, and in the following years, when a classi- 
cal education was not easily obtained, and the number of graduates 
at the few colleges then established was very limited, Harvard and 
Yale numbered several from this town [Easthampton] in the list of 
their students and graduates. . . . The schools of the town con- 
tinued to be a subject of special interest, and in 1784, an academy for 
classical instruction was erected, being the first instituted under the 
State. 2 * * * * 

"We are under further obligation to Dr. O'Callaghan for the follow- 
ing items, from the proof sheets of the "Proceedings of the Com- 
mon Council of the City of New York" (the MS. Copy of which has 
already been cited as the "New Amsterdam Records"), in course of 
publication under his supervision : 

[City of New York ; In Common Council] 

[Month and day not recorded], 1670". 
* * * * 

To the Worshippfull y e Deputy May r & Aldermen of the Citty of 
New Yorke 

The Humble Peticon of Ebenezer Kirtland Sheweth That yo r Peti- 
tioner is informed y e yo r worshipps are desirous to Erect and maintaine 
a School for y e Edueatinge and instructinge of Youth either in Read- 
inge "Writinge Arithmetick Lattin or Greeke Yo r Petitioner sup- 
posing himselfe to bee a Person fitt to vnd r take and Discharge such 
an Employ to y* End addressed himselfe to his Hono r the Gouerno 1- for 
his good Likeinge therein who hath signified y e same to your Peti- 
coner & ord r ed him to make his addresses to yo r worrpps to be y e 
Mast 1 ' of the said Schooll 

1 Gardiner's Chronicles of Easthampton, pp. 41, 42. 

2 Idem, pp. 42, 43. 



in the State of New York. 147 

Your Peticion r therefore humbly Prays yo r Worrpps (if w l Terms 
your Petition 1, hath Pposed may be allowed of) that he may be 
forthw th Confirmed in y e s d Employ as Schooll Mast 1- <fcc, he beinge 
willinge to Engage himselfe for y e space of two Years 
And y r Petition 1 " shall Euer Pray &c. 

To The Worshipfull the Mayo r and Alldermen of this Citty of New 

Yorke 
The humble Peticon of Mathew Hiller. 

Humbly Showeth : That whereas yo r Petion r haueing (by his 
hono r the Gouernor) consent and with the approbation of this wor- 
shipfu" Cou rt beene Seruiceable to this Citty all moste two yeares & 
hath Indeau r d the Instruction of Children of what age or sex so euer 
to there Parents Satesfaction : Yet not with standing some Com- 
plaintes haue beene made (unmerited) to your Worships which yowr 
Petetion 1 " und r standing made application to his hon r Informing him 
the occation of sume neglects which was the greate wants of a Con- 
venient howse wherein yowr Petion r might settle and not bee trubled 
with soe often Removalls which I question not butt will bee taken in 
to Consideration but yo r Petion 1- und r standing of an obstruction by a 
Person Lately arriued here who Indeau rs the Circumventing of 
yow r Petioner and Reape the f ruite of his Labours of which Likewise 
your Petion r hath fully Informed his hon r who is by y r Petion 1-8 hum- 
ble Request Pleased to Leaue the Ordering of a Scoole and maste r to 
yow r Worships Pleasure giueing yo r Petion r hopes and Encourage- 
ment that by y r Worships wisdome thmgs may bee better Regulated 

Yowr Petetion 1-8 humble Request is hee may bee establisht in his 
Imploy in which with the helpe of god hee doub ts not satisfaction to 
yo r Worships 

And hee shall for Euer Pray &c. 

Citty of New Yorke Att a Meettinge the 25 th Day of August 
1676 

* * * * 

VroN the Peticons of Ebenezer Kirtland and Matthew Hilliard to 
be Schoollmasters of this Citty &c Itt is thought fitt and is hereby 
ordered y* Matthew Hillyer Continue in y e same hee behaueinge 
himselfe for y e future better then y e .time Past And instead of 12 lb 
per Annum accordinge to former Order is only to have A Roome 
Provided for him 

23 d November, 1697. 
The Petition of M r David Vilant being read desireing he may 
keep school in the publick Citty Hall as has been formerly Granted 
to him by the preceeding Mayor & Aldermen &c : is Refer'd to the 
Mayor to doe therein as he shall see Cause. 

12 th June, 1714. 
Order'd that this Corporation do Petition the General Assembly 
for Leave to bring in a Bill to Enable this Corporation to Raise 
Money for Repairing the publick Gaols, Keeping a sufficient Bell- 



148 Public Education in the State of New York. 

mans Watch in the Room and Stead of A Constables Watch pro- 
viding lire and Candle for them Maintaining a publick schoolmaster 
for teaching the poor to read & write Defraying the Expence of 
Executing of felons, Maintainance of A Publick Whipper and Other 
publick & Nessessary Charge not Exceeding one hundred and fifty 
pounds in one year and that the Mayor sign the Petition by Order 
of this Court and deliver it Accordingly. 

9 th April, 1720. 
< >rder'd the Mayor Issue his Warr* to the Treasurer to pay to M r . 
William EEuddleston the sum of Ten pounds Curr 1 Money of this 
Province as a present of this Corporation for his Teaching several! 
poor Children to Read within this City. And Order'd that this be 
not brought into President. 

14 th October 1731. 
Order'd the Mayor Issue his warrant to the Treasurer to pay to 
Mrs Sarah Huddlestou widow or Order the sum of Eight pounds 
Current Money of New York as a Gratification for the trouble and 
Care she and her late Son Thomas Huddleston deceased have taken 
in teaching several poor children of this Corporation to Read and 
Write and [Instructing them in the Principles of Religion, over and 
above the number allowed by the Venerable society for the propaga- 
tion of the Gospel in foreign parts. 

Having collated these "Annals" thus far, with as much thorough- 
ness as our opportunities for research would allow, we now make a 
second pause, at the close of the year 1745 ; hoping hereafter to 
resume the narrative, beginning with the legislation of 1746, under 
which a moderate sum was raised " for the advancement of learning, 
and the founding of a College": — this being the first material aid 
provided for the institution which was chartered .by the Crown, in 
L754, as King's, and by the State, in 1784, as Columbia College. 



CATALOGUE 

OP SCHOOLMASTERS MENTIONED IN THIS VOLUME. 



f > 



Page. 

Alkis, Frederick, from Hoorn 10 

Appel, Arien, [or Adrian Janse] Albany 62 

Auchniuty, Rev. Samuel, New York city 113 

Avery, John, Bye 114 

Baene, Joost de, New Utrecht. 04, 73, 74 

Baird, Alexander, Hempstead 92 

• Barnes, Charles, East Hampton 145 

Barrington, , Staten Island 113 

Bartowe, Basil, Westchester 114 

Beasly [Peasley], -, Albany 105, 111 

Beavois [Beauvois], Carel de, Brooklyn 31, 49, 50, G4 

Becker, Jan Juriaense, Albany, New Amsterdam 20, 54, 58, 62 

Beecker, see Becker , 58 

Bennet, Cornelius, Ganajoharie 112 

Bettersby, James, Flushing 121 

Bleecker, see Becker 58 

Bogardus, Cornelis, Albany 75 

Bon Repos, Elias, New Bochelle 92 

Bowne, John, Flushing 68 

Brown, Adam, Staten Island (south precinct) 98, 104, 113 

Brownell, George, New York city 123 

Bruynne, Francays de, Flatbush 63, 64 

Bull, Amos, New York city 113 

Capito, Mattys, Wiltwyck {Kingston) 51 

Carelse, Joost, New Amsterdam 52 

Carhart, John, Bye 114 

Charlton, Richard, Hempstead 58, 122 

Charlton, Rev. , New York city 113 

Clarke, Andrew, New York city 87, 88, 89, 90 

Clarke, Daniel, WestcJiester 114 

Classen, Frans, New Amsterdam 54 

Cleator, Joseph, Bye 97, 100, 103, 114, 116 

Clogan, Rev. Thomas, New York city 101, 113 

Cornelissen, Jan, New Amsterdam 9, 43, 44 

Cornelius (Indian Sachem), Fort Hunter {Lower Mohock Town) 106, 112 

Covelens, Jacob Jooste (see Joosten), Albany .. 62 

Curler [Corler, Corlaar, Corlear], Jacobus van, New Amsterdam 19, 20, 53 

Curtius, Alexander Carolus, New Amsterdam.. ,22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 32, 34, 35, 42, 45 
Daniel (Indian), Ganajoharie { Upper Mohock Town) 106, 111 



150 ^ Catalogue of Schoolmasters. 

Page. 

Davies, , Southampton Ill 

Davis, Goody, Jamaica 69 

Delanoy, Abraham, New York city 144 

Denton, , Oyster Bay 100, 111 

De Puy, John, Slaten Island 104, 113 

Dillon, Patrick, Flatbush 63 

Drewit, Benjamin, Staten Island 104, 113 

Dunlop, Rev. Samuel, Cherry Valley 143 

D u puy, , Staten Island 98 

1 )wight, Flint, North Castle, Eye and White Plains 114, 116 

Egberts, , Staten Island 113 

Ekelen [Eckkelen], Johannes Van, Flatbush 63, 64, 65, 67, 72, 73 

Ellison, Gabriel, Flatbush 63 

Fayole, Prudent de la, New York city 92 

fritz Gerald, Edward, Westchester county 93 

flbucautt, Andrew, New York city 90 

Foreest, Barent de, New York city 144 

Forster, William, Westdiester 100, 114 

Gage, Father Charles, S. J., (Latin teacher ?), New York city 71 

Gancell, Jan, Flatbush 63 

Gasheris, Stephen, Kingston 91 

Gatehouse, Edward, New York city 123 

Gelder, Johannes van, New Amsterdam 21, 55 

Gerritse [ Wyngaard], Luykas,< Albany 62, 63 

Gerritsz, see Marken 68 

Gildersleeve, Richard, Hempstead 122 

( Mdersleeve, Thomas, Hempstead 99, 111, 123 

Clover Charles, Westchester 100, 114 

Gott, , Westchester 114 

llainelle, Michael, Flatbush 63, 61 

Hall, , Canajoharie 112 

Earrison, Father Henry, S. J., (Latin teacher ?), New York city 71 

1 [egeman, Adrian. Flatbush, Midwout 28, 49, 63, 64 

1 lelherington, Walter, New York city 141, 142 

1 Iildretli, Thomas. New York city 112, 116 

Biller, Matthew, New York city 147 

Hoboocken, Harman van, New Amsterdam 12, 13, 14, 17, 39, 44 

Houlding [Houldsworth (?) ], Hempstead 58 

Houldsworth, Jonas, Hempstead, Southampton, Huntington (?) 36, 39, 50, 122 

1 [udde, Andries, New Amsterdam \. 19, 53 

Euddlestone, , New York city and Rye 116 

Huddlestone [Huddleston], Thomas, New York city, Jamaica ... 92, 99, 101, 105, 112 

114, 148 

Huddlestonej William, New York city '. . . 104, 112, 148 

Upendam, Adriaen Jansen van, New Amsterdam 16, 51, 52 

Jamison, David, New York city 121, 122 

Jansen, Aryaen (Arien), see Ilpendam, New Amsterdam 9, 51 

Jansz (Jansen), Andries, Beverwyeh 12, 50 

Jarratt, Allane, New York city and province 93, 142 

Jeflray, James, New York city 92 



<7V 

H 

Catalogue of Schoolmasters. J51 

Page. 

Johnson, Peter, " schol." (?), Hempstead 58 

Johnston, Charles, New York city 124 

Jones, , Miles Square 113 

Joosten [Covelens], Jacob, Albany, Flathush, Wiltwyck {Kingston) 51, 58, 63 

Keeble, , Oyster Bay Ill 

Kirtland, Ebenezer, New York city 146, 147 

Kneeland, , Flushing and Huntington Ill 

Leaky [Lealey], William, South of Hempstead Ill 

Leffert, William, South of Hempstead Ill 

Lindley, Henry, Jamaica 91 

Loquart, James, Jamaica 118 

Lubbertsen [Lubberts], Jan, New Amsterdam 20, 54 

Luyck, iEgidius, New Amsterdam 32, 33, 34, 35, 45, 46, 47, 48 

Lyde, James, New York city 123 

Lynstead, Thomas, Oyster Bay 118 

M'Leland, Colin, Canajoharie 112 

Maenhout, Boudewyn, Bushioyck 36, 50 

Makins, Thomas, Flushing 94 

Malcolm, Alexander, New Yorkciiy. . . 124, 125, 127, 128, 129, 130, 131, 132, 133, 134 

135, 136, 138, 139, 140, 141 

Marcken [Marckje], Jan Gerritsen van, Flathush 63, 64, 68 

Miller, Benjamin, Slaten Island, West Precinct 113 

Mills, Richard, Middleburgh 30, 48, 49 

Molenaar, Arent Evertsen, New Amstel (Bel.) 50 

Montagne, Johannes de la, New Amsterdam, Harlem (New) 11, 12, 13, 37, 38, 44 

Montagne, William, Kingston 91 

Moore, John, Jannaica 107, 111 

Moubray, John, Southampton 75 

Muirson, George, New York city 87, 90 

Nsau [Nau], Elias, New York city 91, 100, 101, 113, 119 

Noon, Patrick, Flatbush 63 

Noxon, Thomas, New York city 106, 112 

Occom, Samson, Montauk 120 

Oliver, , Molwck country 101, 102, 111 

Paulns (Indian), Canajoharie 112 

Paulus, Petrus (Indian), Canajoharie 112 

Peasley, , see Beasly 105 

Pietersen, Evert, New Amsterdam, South (Belaware) river, 16, 17, 18, 19,39,40,45, 144 

Potts, , Staten Island 98 

Price, , Staten Island 113 

Provoost, David, New Amsterdam . . . 52 

Purdy, Samuel, Bye 114, 116 

Rand, John, Bye 114 

Reinier, , Flatbush 29, 50, 64 

Remse, Rem, Flatbush 64 

Remsen, Jores, Flatbush 63 

Ridder, Evert, Albany 90 

Rock, William, Jamaica 118 

Roelansten, Adam, New Amsterdam 4, 41, 42, 43, 51 

Rubell, John, Flatbush 63 



152 Catalogue of Schoolmasters. 

Page. 

Sckaets, Rev. Gideon, Eenselaerswyck 12 

Schenk [Schenck], Jokamies, Flatbush 63, 64, 72, 73 

Sckoolinasters referred to, but not by name. . 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10, 11, 15, 22, 27, 39 

60, 61, 62, 64, 69, 70, 71, 73, 75, 77, 80, 81, 82, 85, 86, 94, 96, 97, 99, 100, 104, 105 

107, 108, 109, 110, 111, 114, 115, 117, 119, 122, 123, 125, 143, 148 

Sckoonuiaker, Michael, Flatbush 63 

Seabury, Nathaniel, Westclicster 114 

Seabury, Samuel, Jr. , Huntington Ill 

Selover, Isaac, Flatlands 69, 117, 118 

Sheriosby, Georgius, Cow Neck 118 

Skutte, Jokn, Albany 57 

Sluys, Andries van der, Esopus {Kingston) 50 

Smitk, Tkomas, New York city 61 

Spencer, Rackel, Hempstead 69, 116 

Steenburgk, Petrus van, Flatbush 63 

Steenkuysen, Engelbert, Bergen (N.J.) 36, 37, 50 

Stevensen, Jan, New Amsterdam ... 7, 9, 42, 43 

Steyn, Hans, New Amsterdam 53 

Storm, Derick, Flatbush 63, 64 

Sturgeon, William, B. A., Bye 114 

Swartt, Gerrit, Albany 62 

Taylor, , Staten Island 98, 99, 107, 113 

Temple, Tkomas, Hempstead, Jamaica Ill, 118 

Tkoresby, see Slieriosby 118 

Tkurston, William, New York city 123 

Tiebout [Tkibaud], Jan, Flatbush 63,65,67, 68 

" Traveling Woman out of y e Jerseys," Bye 116 

Verstius [Vestius, Vestens], William, New Amsterdam 12, 13, 44 

Vilant, David, New York city 147 

Vleck [Vleg], Paulus van, KituUrhook 89 

Wagenen, Huybert van, New York city 144 

Wall, Edward, Johnstown 112 

Watts, , Staten Island 113 

Welp, Antkony, Flatbush 63 

Wetmore, James, Bye 114, 116 

Wetmore, Rev. James, New York city 101, 113 

Wetmore, Timotky, Bye 114, 116 

Willett, , Jamaica 106, 111 

Williamson, Francis, Staten Island 98, 104, 113 

Wood, Jokn, Neic York city 92 

Wrigkt, Andrew, Staten Island 107, 113 

Wyngaard, see Gerritse 62, 63 

Youngs, George, Westchester 114 



